ACPPN Pushes Protocol Reform, Links Practice to National Service Delivery

ACPPN Pushes Protocol Reform, Links Practice to National Service Delivery

L-R: Founder, Akwaaba African Travel Market, Amb. Ikechi Uko; Vice President, The Association of Certified Protocol Practitioners in Nigeria (ACPPN),Hon. Ben Friday; Executive President, ACPPN, Hon. Ikinbor Michael, and Amb.Tunde Sodipo, during the ACPPN 2026 annual Congress, held in Lagos.

LAGOS, April 25, 2026 — The Association of Certified Protocol Practitioners in Nigeria (ACPPN) has called for a comprehensive overhaul of protocol practice in the country, positioning it as a critical driver of effective service delivery across public and private institutions.

The resolution formed the core outcome of the association’s Annual Congress held at The Civic Center in Lagos, where professionals, policymakers, and industry stakeholders converged under the theme: “Protocol Practice as a Catalyst for Effective Service Delivery in Nigeria: Advancing Excellence Across Public Administration, Corporate Institutions, Diplomacy, and Technology.”

In a communiqué issued at the end of the congress and signed by the National Vice President, Friday Ben, delegates emphasized that protocol has evolved beyond ceremonial functions to become a strategic tool for governance and organizational efficiency.

“Modern protocol is the administrative oil that reduces friction in governance and business operations,” the communiqué stated, stressing that the integration of technology and artificial intelligence is now a necessity rather than an option.

The congress identified four priority areas for reform, including the adoption of standardized procedures in the public sector to reduce bureaucratic delays and enhance transparency. It also urged corporate organizations to leverage structured protocol systems to strengthen institutional trust, protect brand reputation, and attract investment.

On diplomacy, participants highlighted the need to sustain global best practices to bolster Nigeria’s international image, while underscoring the importance of balancing artificial intelligence adoption with human elements such as empathy, cultural sensitivity, and professional judgment.

To strengthen capacity, ACPPN announced the introduction of compulsory annual training for its members, alongside a specialized training programme scheduled for October 2026. The association also disclosed plans to onboard members through a forthcoming digital platform, with a new registration fee set at N100,000 after the congress.

Speaking at the event, ACPPN Executive President, Inkinbor Michael, urged institutions to prioritize investment in protocol officers, describing the role as integral to organizational growth and service efficiency.

“Protocol is service delivery. When you train your protocol personnel, you indirectly enhance your business performance,” he said.

Also contributing, Executive Vice Chairman of Poise Nigeria, Mavi Sokia Isibo, called for a shift in professional culture, advocating accountability and strict adherence to established procedures regardless of status or position.

“There must be consequences for violations. Protocol should not be selective or influenced by hierarchy,” she noted.

Representing the keynote speaker, retired Major General Ike Nwachukwu, Ambassador Tunde Sodipo identified poor implementation and low professional recognition as major challenges confronting protocol practice in Nigeria. He emphasized the need for broader awareness among both practitioners and the public to ensure effective coordination and order.

Adding a private sector perspective, Ikechi Uko, organizer of Akwaaba African Travel Market, criticized the tendency for protocol standards to be undermined by social hierarchy.

“Protocol should not bow to power or elitism. It is meant to enforce order through consistency and accountability,” he said, noting that improved adherence could significantly enhance service delivery across sectors such as banking, aviation, and public administration.

Speaking at the event, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of FAAN, Mr. "Henry Agbebire said FAAN delivers high-level protocol services to travellers and airport users". He stressed that synergy among the many stakeholders is key to enhancing service delivery at our airports".

The congress concluded with ACPPN reaffirming its commitment to advancing protocol practice as a cornerstone of institutional efficiency and national development, pledging to lead reforms that translate professional standards into measurable outcomes.