‘Protocol Is No Longer Just Etiquette’: ACPPN Congress Demands Accountability, AI Adoption

Protocol is no longer confined to seating charts and ceremonial handshakes. That was the central message as the Association of Certified Protocol Practitioners in Nigeria (ACPPN) concluded its Annual Congress at The Civic Centre, calling for a comprehensive redefinition of protocol as a critical driver of effective service delivery.

The congress, themed “Protocol Practice as a Catalyst for Effective Service Delivery in Nigeria: Advancing Excellence Across Public Administration, Corporate Institutions, Diplomacy, and Technology,” brought together professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to chart a new direction for the discipline.

Beyond Etiquette: Protocol as ‘Administrative Oil’

In a communiqué signed by Friday Ben, delegates emphasized that protocol has evolved beyond traditional functions.

“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 identified four priority areas for reform:

• Public Sector: Standardize procedures to reduce bureaucracy, speed up processes, and enhance transparency.
• Corporate Institutions: Strengthen trust, protect reputations, and attract investment through sound protocol systems.
• Diplomacy: Uphold excellence in diplomatic engagements to boost Nigeria’s global standing.
• Technology: Leverage artificial intelligence for efficiency while maintaining the human elements of empathy, intuition, and cultural sensitivity.

To improve professional standards, ACPPN introduced compulsory annual training for all members. A specialized training programme is scheduled for October 2026, with invitations extended to both public and private sector organizations.

The association also announced a revised post-congress registration fee of N100,000, alongside plans to launch a digital platform for seamless member enrollment.

“Protocol is not a barrier between people; it is the bridge that connects intentions to successful outcomes,” the communiqué added.

Call for Investment and Cultural Shift

ACPPN Executive President Inkinbor Michael urged organizations to prioritize investment in protocol personnel.

“Protocol is service delivery. Train your protocol officer and you indirectly bring business to your organization,” he said, noting that practitioners now play a role in business development beyond event coordination.

Also speaking, Mavi Sokia Isibo of Poise Nigeria called for a cultural reorientation toward accountability.

“We need a shift from privilege to accountability, from authority to responsibility,” she said. “There must be consequences for violations of protocol, regardless of status.”

Representing keynote speaker Ike Nwachukwu, Ambassador Tunde Sodipo highlighted poor implementation and limited recognition of the profession as key challenges.

“The protocol officer alone cannot deliver effective services. There must be widespread awareness and cooperation,” he said.

Tourism expert Ikechi Uko was candid in his assessment: “In Nigeria, protocol often bows to power and elitism. It should be the other way around. ‘Do you know who I am?’ must not override established rules.”

Enhancing Service Delivery Across Sectors

At the event, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) reiterated its commitment to high standards. Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in improving airport services nationwide.

The ACPPN concluded the congress by reaffirming its leadership role in advancing protocol practice in Nigeria, pledging to drive reforms that translate professional standards into tangible improvements in governance, business, and public service delivery.