Institute Urges Organisations To Reposition Workforce For Sustainable Growth

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has urged organisations across the public and private sectors to strategically reposition their workforce to achieve sustainable growth amid economic uncertainty, technological disruption and evolving workplace expectations.

Speaking ahead of the CIPM 58th International Conference and Exhibition (ICE 2026), scheduled to hold from September 21 to 24, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, said organisations must place human capital at the centre of their transformation and growth strategies.

Gobir noted that businesses across the globe are grappling with unprecedented challenges, including economic volatility, talent shortages, rapid digital transformation and changing employee expectations, necessitating a fundamental rethink of workforce management and value creation.

“The world of work is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Organisations today operate in an environment characterised by rapid technological advancement, shifting workforce demographics, changing stakeholder expectations, and increasing pressure to deliver measurable results. To thrive in this environment, leaders must rethink how they attract, develop, engage and retain talent while ensuring their organisations remain agile and future-ready,” he said.

According to him, human resource management has evolved beyond administrative functions to become a strategic driver of organisational performance, productivity, innovation and sustainability.

Gobir explained that the theme of the 58th International Conference and Exhibition, ‘Repositioning for Value and Impact,’ underscores the urgent need for organisations to reassess existing structures, strengthen workforce capabilities and align people strategies with broader business objectives.

“The future belongs to organisations that can effectively align people, technology, culture and strategy to create sustainable value. Repositioning for value and impact is no longer a choice; it is a business imperative. Organisations that fail to adapt risk losing relevance and competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic global economy,” he added.

He further stated that the conference would serve as a strategic platform for human resource professionals, business leaders, policymakers, academics and industry experts to deliberate on practical solutions to contemporary workplace challenges and emerging opportunities.

Gobir said the conference is designed to equip participants with actionable insights, innovative frameworks and forward-looking strategies that would enable organisations to navigate complexity and drive long-term success.

He reiterated that investing in people and adopting strategic workforce practices remain essential for sustainable growth and long-term organisational success.

The annual International Conference and Exhibition is CIPM’s flagship event and Africa’s largest gathering of human resource professionals and business leaders, attracting thousands of delegates from across Africa and beyond for knowledge exchange, professional development, policy dialogue and business networking.