This article explains at length the importance of professional bodies in Nigeria, and their trustworthiness, and presents 45 of the most renowned organisations that positively contribute to Nigeria’s professional image.
The emergence of skilled professionals in Nigeria today is a growing concern. The qualifications of individuals aren’t sufficient anymore, especially in this region.
This is where professional bodies come in. They are the gatekeepers of quality, advocates of lifelong education, and protectors of professional ethics.
The Importance Of Professional Associations
Professional bodies are organisations that serve the purpose of representing, regulating, and supporting particular professions or industries. They are essential in:
- Setting up and monitoring compliance with the existing regulations of the profession.
- Ensuring that relevant training and retuning of its members occurs.
- Providing a platform for its members to interact.
- Serves as a representation of their members.
- Supporting building the professional image among the public.
Credibility and Relevance
Professional bodies in Nigeria are widely recognized around the world for their adherence to professional standards. These bodies have:
- Participated in developing and implementing policies
- Developed relationships with foreign organisations
- Created training and certification programs based on their fields
- Encouraged and funded development activities
- Contributed to human resources development
Top 45 Professional Bodies In Nigeria
More detailed analyses of each body are provided with establishment year, orientation, geography, accreditations, regulations, criteria for entry, and advantages:
1. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)
ICAN has been in service since 1965 and is the foremost professional accounting body in the country. The Institute issues the ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) certification.
The institution plays the role of setting accounting practice standards and fostering the growth of its members. ICAN’s headquarters is located at Plot 16, Idowu Taylor Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, and has branch offices in many other states in Nigeria.
2. The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN)
The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) established itself in 1963 to improve the skills of banking professionals. CIBN issues ACIB, MCIB, and other similar vocational qualifications to individuals who meet banking education and business conduct requirements. The institute focuses on managing banking education and promoting professional ethics.
Furthermore, the institute has its primary location at Adeola Hopewell St, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
3. Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN)
In 1979, ANAN was founded, a national accountant’s body with objectives of fostering accounting education and research.
ANAN offers certifications such as Certified National Accountant (CAN) and Master National Accountant (MNA), which can also be referred to as “Member of the National Accountant”.
Furthermore, ANAN’s members are from all the states of Nigeria and the organisation maintains its head office situated at ANAN House, Plot 559, Mabushi District, off Ahmadu Bello Way, Abuja, Nigeria.
4. The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA): Professional Bodies In Nigeria
NIA founded in 1960 is in charge of maintaining architectural practices after organizing them since the year 1960. NIA also offers professional certifications, including Associate Registered Accountant (ARB) and Member of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (MNIA).
The organisation’s administrative headquarters is located at Plot 215, Muazu Magaji / Patrick Yakowa Street, off Aminu Sale Crescent, Katampe Ext. B19, Gwarinpa
5. The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIoB)
NIoB was established in the year 1969 and became “The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in 1980 after receiving a royal charter has its vision to develop building education and research. NIoB offers certifications such as B.Sc and M.Sc.
More so, the organisation’s head office is located at APDC Estate, Off Kubwa Expressway, Sabojibi, Abuja.
6. The Institute of Directors (IoD)
The Institute of Directors (IoD) incorporated in 1983, is a professional body responsible for promoting good standards of practices in corporate governance and leadership.
IOD offers certifications like Chartered Director (IoD) and Member of the Institute of Directors (M.IoD). The body is located at 28 Olawale Edun (Formerly Cameron Road), Off Alfred Rewane Road, P. O. Box 51037, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
7. The Chartered Institute of Commerce of Nigeria (CICN)
The Chartered Institute of Commerce of Nigeria is geared towards commerce enhancement by elevating commerce education and professional etiquette.
Established in 1979. CICN offers certifications like those of Certified Industries. Corporate Certified National (CICN) and Member of the Chartered Insititute of Certified Nationals (MCICN).
More so, its headquarters is situated at 36 Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kano, Fagge, Kano State.
8. The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN)
COREN established in 1970 to ensure the practice and standards of engineering uprightness.
COREN offers certifications such as Registered Engineer (RENG) and Certified Engineer (CENG) and its headquarters is at 22, Addis Ababa Crescent, Wuse Zone 4, FCT Abuja.
9. The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE): Professional Bodies In Nigeria
The Nigerian Society of Engineers in simple words, is an association that has advanced educational development and career growth in engineering since 1958.
NSE offers membership ranks such as Member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (MNSE) and Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE). The headquarters is located at the National Engineering Centre, Labour House Road, Central Business District, FCT, Abuja.
10. The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM)
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives is a professional body of nurses and midwives. Established in 1977. NANNM offers membership ranks such as Registered Nurse Midwife (RNM) and Registered Midwife (RM) and has its main office located at Makurdi Street, Area 10, Garki, Abuja.
11. Medical and Dental Councils of Nigeria (MDCN)
The Medical and Dental Councils of Nigeria is another medical professional body that was established in 1963 and aimed at ensuring there are specific standards in practice for the medical profession.
MDCN offers membership ranks like Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). Its principal office is located at Plot 1102, Cadastral Zone B11, Off Oladipo Diya Road, behind Prince and Princess Estate in Kaura District, Abuja.
12. The Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN)
The Information Technology Association of Nigeria is another professional body that came into being in 1991 and is focused on advocating the cause of information technology and its advancement in education and career.
ITAN offers such membership ranks as Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) and Member of the Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (MITN). The head office is situated at 5 Yinusa Adeniji St, Allen, Ikeja 101233, Lagos
13. Nigeria Computer Society (NCS): Professional Bodies In Nigeria
The Nigeria Computer Society is the umbrella body for all computer professionals in Nigeria. Founded in 1978 as the Computer Association of Nigeria (COAN) and renamed as NCS in 2001,
This professional body is aimed at setting standards for IT and carrying out research. NCS offers such membership ranks as Chartered Business Systems Engineer (CNSE) and Member, Nigerian on Computer Society (MNCS). The head office is located at 10 Otunba Jobi Fele Way, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos
14. The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ)
The Nigerian Union of Journalists established in 1955, governs the parameters of journalism and the ethical concerns that come with professionalism thereof.
This professional body in Nigeria is located at Plot 131, Cadastral Zone, Sector Center A, Jahi District, Off Mabushi Ultra Modern Market Road, near Father’s church, before Next Cash & Carry Abuja.
15. The Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON)
The Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria is a body that was formed in 1981 to govern the practice and standards of advertising. As for the rank, cert., and degree maxim: APCON and M.AP are available in this case too.
APCON’s head office is located at APCON House, National Theatre Annex, Iganmu, Lagos, Nigeria with its Abuja Office situated at Plot 467, Joseph Adetoro Street, Off Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja.
16. The Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM)
The Nigerian Institute of Management was founded in 1961 with the aim of improving the abilities of management practitioners in Nigeria and ensuring that such practitioners receive management courses, membership and training.
Also, NIM has its national headquarters in the commercial city of Lagos precisely at Plot 22, Idowu Taylor Street, by Church Gate Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
17. The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM)
Established in 1968, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) serves as the professional body responsible for overseeing the standards and practices of human resource management.
CIPM membership includes Associate member, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (ACIPM). Member, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (MCIPM) and Fellow, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (FCIPM).
The central office is located at CIPM House, CIPM Avenue, Central Business District, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
18. The Nigerian Institute of Public Analysts (IPAN)
The Nigerian Institute of Public Analysts is an organisation that supports all aspects of the practice of public analysis and research, established in 1977. IPAN certification includes IPAN and MIPAN.
The central office is located at Yaba, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria, at 443, Herbert Macaulay Way. Additionally, IPAN maintains an Abuja Liaison Office located in Room 407 on the fourth floor of the Federal Secretariat Complex Phase 1 on Sheu Shagari Way in Abuja.
19. The Nigerian Institute of Marketing (NIMN)
NIMN is an institute that was established in 1961 for the purpose of developing the marketing profession. NIMN membership includes ANIMN, MNIMN and FNIM. Also, the body has its focus on marketing education, training, and professional ethics.
NIMN’s head office is located at 302, Niger Insurance House, 304 Ikorodu Rd, Kosofe, Lagos.
20. The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations came into existence in 1963, and it is concerned with public relations regulation. NIPR certification includes NIPR and MNIPR and has a membership of more than 5000 individuals. The main office is in Abuja.
21. The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN)
ICSAN is a professional body in Nigeria incorporated in 1969 devoted to the promotion of secretaryship and administration. The headquarters is located at Elephant Cement Way, Alausa, Lagos.
22. The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS)
The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers which was founded in 1990, provides regulation on stockbroking practices and procedures. This professional body also boasts an active membership of more than 2,000 individuals.
More so, the headquarters of CIS is situated in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria, at 71 Raymond Nnjoku Street. It has branch offices such as the one located at 22 Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout Road, Rumuola, Port Harcourt.
23. The Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC)
The Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators was established in 1997, and it focused on mediation and conciliation issues. Moreover, the ICMC office is located at 447 Herbert Macaulay Way (formerly 1A, Edmund Cres, Yaba, Lagos.
24. The Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE)
NIEEE was launched in 1984 with the aim of controlling the practice of electrical and electronic engineering. NIEEE office is located at 8 Zambezi Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi St, near INEC Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja.
25. The Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarders in Nigeria (CRFFN)
The Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarders in Nigeria, established in 2007, manages and oversees the standards and practices in freight forwarding. This professional body is located in Abuja at 51 Khartoum St, Wuse, Abuja 904101, Federal Capital Territory.
26. The Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT)
NISLT was founded in 2002 to enhance the practice of science laboratory technology. The institute has more than 3000 members and provides NISLT and MNISLT types of certifications. It has an office located at Sango/U.I Road, Samonda, P.O Box 9764, U.I. Post Office, Ibadan, Oyo State.
27. The Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON)
ISPON was established in 1996 to oversee the policies and standards of software development. ISPON provides membership certifications with the designations of ISPON and MISPON and has its head office situated at 8 Oduduwa Way G.r.a, Ikeja, Lagos,
28. The Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN)
In 1994, a group established APBN as an umbrella organization to encourage collaboration among professional groups, institutions, and institutes in Nigeria.
More so, there are more than 50 organisations that are members of the APBN, and its headquarters is located in Abuja at House 21/23, 14 Road, Off 1st Avenue, Gwarinpa Phase II, Wuse.
29. The Institute of Registered Administrative Managers of Nigeria (IRAMN)
In 1981, the Institute of Registered Administrative Managers of Nigeria (IRAMN) was established to improve the professional skills of administrative management practitioners.
The Institute IRAMN focuses on education about administrative management. There are over 2,000 members in IRAMN and its headquarters is at 7A Junction Road by Sardauna Crescent, Kaduna.
30. The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA): Professional Bodies In Nigeria
The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) was founded in 1960, with the purpose is to advocate for architectural principles and practices within the geography of Abuja. NIA-Abuja issues certifications such as NIA and MNIA and has over 1000 members.
31. The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS)
Established in 1969, the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) is dedicated to the improvement and incorporation of professional standards and practices of quantity surveying.
NIQS head office is situated at No. 24, NIQS Crescent, Off Michael Ama Nnachi Crescent, Cadastral Zone B6, Mabushi District, P. O. Box 10689 Garki, Abuja.
32. The Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM)
The Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM), established in 2001, propagates records management. ICRM has it Lagos office located at 13, Association Avenue, Ilupeju Lagos.
33. The Chartered Institute of Supply Chain Management (CISCM)
Chartered Institute of Supply Chain Management (CISCM) was established in 2013 and controls the standard of supply chain management. CISCM has over 1,000 memberships. The professional body in Nigerian head office is located at 57, Isheri Road, by County Bus Stop Aguda Ogba Lagos Ikeja Aguda Ogba Lagos.
34. The Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV)
The Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), formed in 1969, provides standards for estate surveying and valuation. NIESV’s head office is located at 4, J. W. Ekpenyong Street, Off Oladipo Diya Road, Gudu District, Abuja.
35. The Association of Industrial Pharmacists (NAIP)
The Nigeria Association of Industrial Pharmacists (NAIP) is an organisation that advocates for the pharmacist’s rights in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry. Launched in 1992, NAIP works towards improving the professionalism of titles, meets networking needs, encourages and supports research, and promotes policies to aid in meeting objectives.
More so, NAIP has over 1000 associates who participate in conferences, workshops, training, and publications. It still hopes to grow its membership, improve training, and improve advocacy in the face of such challenges as funding and regulatory ones.
In the same way, NAIP contributes to the health and economic development of Nigeria by creating the capacity and encouraging the growth of its members. Being a professional association, NAIP helps pharmacists reach their full potential in the sector, leading to improved healthcare services for the citizens of Nigeria.
This professional body has one office located at Ajao Road, MAN centre, 5 Eleruwa Street, Wemabod Estate, Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos
36. The Association of License Telecommunication of Nigeria (ALTON)
For telecommunication personnel, there is the Association of LicenseTelecommunication of Nigeria, which was formed in 1993. This body has its head office located at 5, Amodu Ojikutu Street, Off Bishop Oluwole St, Victoria Island, Lagos
37. The Nigerian Institute of Water Engineers (NIWE)
The Nigerian Institute of Water Engineers (NIWE), founded in 1979, focuses on water resources management. Its head office is located at Plot 242 Mohammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District, Abuja 900103, Federal Capital Territory.
38. The Nigerian Institute of Land Surveyors (NILS)
The Nigerian Institution of Land Surveyors (NILS) represents land surveyors in the country and has been in existence since 1934 and has one of its offices at 30 S.O Williams Crescent, Off Anthony Enahoro Street, Utako, Abuja.
39. The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP)
Urban and regional planning is the concern of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) which was established in 1966and the Nigerian Institute of Urban and Regional Planners (NIURP).
This professional body controls the sustainable planning of the Nigerian communities ensuring its art and science align.
40. The Nigeria Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NIIE)
NIIE, a professional body established in 2006, aim to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. NIIE plays a vital role in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among Nigerians.
Also, NIIE has its head office located at No. 10, Flat 1, Goba Close, At Greenado International Ltd, Off Monrovia Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
41. The Nigerian Association of Social Workers (NASoW)
As the regulatory body for social work practices, NASoW ensures that social workers adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.
This professional body established in 1975 has its head office located at Area 3, State Social Welfare office, Block B-1st Floor, office 3, opposite Secondary Education Board, Orlu St, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
42. The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN)
APWEN established in 982 and formally inaugurated in 1983 with its head office located at Engineering Close, Off Idowu Taylor, Victoria Island, Lagos supports women in engineering, providing a platform for them to network, develop their skills, and advance in their careers.
43. The Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE)
NAPE established in 1975, advances petroleum exploration, promoting sustainable practices and innovation in the oil and gas industry.
NAPE’s head office is located at House 47A on Femi Okunnu Rd in Estate Phase 1, Lagos State, Nigeria.
44. The Chartered Institute of Human Capital Development of Nigeria (CIHCDN)
As the regulatory body for human capital development, CIHCDN, founded in 2012 ensures that organisations prioritise talent development and capacity building.
Additionally, this organisation has its head office located at 21 Gomwalk Road, Jos, Plateau.
45. The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS): Professional Bodies In Nigeria
NCS, established in 1978 with its head office located at 10 Otunba Jobi Fele Way, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, has been shaping Nigeria’s IT landscape.
Given its strong membership, NCS continues to play a vital role in promoting IT education, innovation, and professionalism in Nigeria.
Conclusion: Professional Bodies In Nigeria
In conclusion, professional bodies in Nigeria are essential in forming their industries because they encourage quality, ethics, and lifelong learning.
Nigeria exemplifies its dedication to improving industry standards through 45 professional organizations, including ICAN, CIBN, ANAN, NSE, and NCS.
Professionals can network, improve their skills, and support national development by joining these organisations.
These organisations, which prioritise advocacy, training, and regulation, create a creative and competitive atmosphere that propels Nigeria’s development and international acclaim. For Nigeria to succeed in the future, professional growth through these organisations is essential.
