Protocol is no longer just about seating charts and handshakes. That was the central message as the Association of Certified Protocol Practitioners in Nigeria (ACPPN) wrapped up its Annual Congress at The Civic Center, Lagos, with a push to redefine protocol as essential infrastructure for service delivery.
The event Themed: “Protocol Practice as a Catalyst for Effective Service Delivery in Nigeria: Advancing Excellence Across Public Administration, Corporate Institutions, Diplomacy, and Technology,” the congress gathered top professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to chart a new course for the profession.
Beyond Etiquette: Protocol as ‘Administrative Oil’
In a communiqué signed by Friday Ben, National Vice President and Chair of the Communiqué Committee, delegates declared that protocol has outgrown its traditional role.
“Modern protocol is the administrative oil that reduces friction in governance and business,” the statement read. “Integrating technology and AI is no longer optional. It is a mandatory evolution for today’s practitioner.”
The congress outlined four priority areas for reform:
– Public Sector: Adopt standardized procedures to cut red tape, accelerate processes, and improve transparency for citizens.
Corporate Institutions: Use sound protocol to build trust, safeguard reputation, and attract investment.
– Diplomacy: Maintain excellence in diplomatic protocol to strengthen Nigeria’s global image and foreign relations.
– Technology: Embrace AI for routine tasks but preserve the “human touch.” Empathy, intuition, and cultural nuance remain irreplaceable.
To raise standards, ACPPN introduced compulsory annual training for all members, whether local or international. A specialized training is set for October 2026, with invitations to be sent to government agencies and private organizations.
The association also announced a new registration fee of N100,000 post-congress, directing members to its upcoming digital platform for enrollment.
“Protocol is not a barrier between people. It is the bridge that connects intentions to successful outcomes,” the communiqué stated. “By reforming our practices and embracing technology, Nigeria can become a beacon of administrative and diplomatic excellence.”
ACPPN Executive President Inkinbor Michael called on organizations to invest in protocol officers.
“Protocol is service delivery. Train your protocol man and you indirectly bring business to your group,” he said. “Practitioners now drive business development, not just events.”
Mavi Sokia Isibo, Executive Vice Chairman of Poise Nigeria, demanded a cultural reset. “We need a shift from privilege to accountability, from authority to responsibility,” she said. “Consequences must follow every contravention of protocols, no matter your age, position, or status. Make one key person an example and everyone will sit up.”
Amb. Tunde Sodipo, who represented the keynote speaker, Major General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), flagged poor implementation and low regard for the profession. “The protocol officer alone can’t deliver protocol services. He must sensitise others to perform properly,” he said. The next goal, he added, is “raising awareness among citizens and leaders to create smoothness, order, and stability.”
Ikechi Uko, organizer of Akwaaba African Travel Market and a guest panelist, was blunt: “In Nigeria, protocol bows to power and elitism. It should be the other way around. ‘Do you know who I am?’ shouldn’t override rules.”
He continued, “Protocol is about order built on clarity, consistency, and accountability. Get this right and we’ll see better service in banks, airports, public offices. This is a template for a society that works.”
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 ACPPN closed the congress by reaffirming its position as Nigeria’s leading platform for protocol excellence, vowing to lead reforms that turn intention into results.
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.
