Make diversity and inclusion your business priorities, CIPM charges organisations

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has called on organisational leaders to move diversity and inclusion beyond policy statements and embed them as measurable drivers of innovation, productivity, and sustainable business growth.

The institute’s President, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, made the call at the 2026 CEO/CHRO/HRD Forum organised by the institute recently.

Speaking at the event tagged: “Refocusing Diversity and Inclusion in the Organisation: The CEO and HR’s Perspectives,” Mallam Gobir stated that organisational transformation begins with leadership decisions, stressing that innovation, diversity and inclusion cannot thrive without the commitment of those at the helm of organisations.

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He told the audience, comprising Chief Executive Officers, Human Resource Officers, and other senior business leaders, that meaningful organisational change must start at the leadership table, while urging them to always model the behaviours and culture they seek to promote.

Mallam Gobir observed that organisations with diverse leadership teams consistently make better decisions, drive innovation, and achieve stronger business outcomes, since diversity is fundamentally about perspective and the ability to harness different ideas and experiences.

The CIPM boss, however, cautioned that while diversity and inclusion are desirable for organisations, they should not be at the expense of competence, maintaining that merit must remain the foundation upon which inclusive workplaces are built.

According to him, organisations become stronger, more innovative, and more sustainable when diversity and excellence work together.

In his goodwill message, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged organisations to evaluate diversity and inclusion through tangible outcomes rather than the existence of policies or committees.

Sanwoolu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Olasunkanmi Oyegbola, a fellow of the institute, noted that businesses that deliberately expand opportunities and remove barriers consistently outperform those that do not.

In his keynote presentation, Managing Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Mr. Roger Philippe Adou, described diversity and inclusion as a business imperative supported by clear policies, accountability, and leadership commitment.

According to Mr. Adou, organisations must move beyond representation to ensure that diverse voices have real influence on decisions.