An expert in Global Best Practices for Protocol Management, Mr Julius Lambert Nyananyo, has canvassed the professionalisation of protocol practice in Nigeria.
He stated this in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, during an interview with newsmen, noting professionalism in the protocol field still lacks in the country.
Nyananyo, who is the Deputy Director and Head, Protocol and Information as well as official Master of Ceremonies (MC) with the Bayelsa State Judiciary, noted that Nigeria unlike other parts of the world is far from professionilisation of Protocol Management.
He hinted that while Protocol Management has continued to develop in both advanced and developing countries, it was yet to be professionalised in Nigeria.
He called on the federal and state governments to make and assent to enabling laws that will ensure professionalism in the profession.
Noting that country the order of precedence at events in the has been bastardised, he cited instances where some superior offices and officers in both the state and federal governments were acknowledged after the official acknowledgement of their subordinates due to the absence of a law regulating protocol practice in the nation.
“The prospects and usefulness of Protocol Management today cannot be over-emphasised. Nigeria as a developing country is expected to observe the rules in areas such as diplomatic engagements, investments promotion, event management and so on.
“The concept of protocol profession has developed a vast literature among scholars, diplomats, and individuals who contributed to this field of study.
“The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines professionalism as ‘the conduct, aims or qualities that characterise or mark a profession or a professional person’.
“It also defines ‘profession’ as ‘a calling requiring specialised knowledge and often long intensive academic preparation’.
He added that “Nevertheless, we may accept the definition of Wikipedia that a professional is a member of a profession or any person who earns their living from a specified professional activity.”
“The term also describes the standards of education and training that prepares members of the profession with the particular knowledge and skills necessary to perform their specific role within that profession.
“Like other professions, protocol requires a strict code of conduct, ensuring ethical and moral obligations.
“Over the last seven years the Association of Certified Protocol Practitioners in Nigeria (ACPPN) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations have created a community that embraces professionals in the field of protocol across Nigeria.
“It has become crucial to enhance the professionalism of protocol practice in Nigeria. The first and key factor is the need for a legal framework.
“This legal framework will help accelerate a wider approach, especially within the organizations in the public and private sector.
“Law on the Order of National Precedence and other Related Matters will help in professionalising protocol practice.
“Though attempts were made by the Nigerian National Assembly in passing an ‘Order of Precedence of Public Officers and other Person’s bill’, it is yet to receive the consent of the President of Nigeria, due to concerns raised by the Judiciary in 2007 and 2011, respectively”, Nyananyo stated.
Meanwhile Nyananyo has further given instances where other countries, such as Ghana in there constitution have Professionalized the practice of protocol.
He quoted Chapter 8, Section 57 (2) of the Ghanaian Constitution, saying that part of the Ghanaian organic law covers the order of precedence.
He also noted that in the United States of America, the State Chief of protocol goes through congressional clearance before appointment by the President.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa