Experts Highlight Protocol as Key to Efficiency and Better Service Delivery

Diplomats, corporate leaders and protocol professionals have stressed that effective protocol practice plays a vital role in improving service delivery and strengthening institutional efficiency across both public and private sectors.

They shared this view at the 2026 Annual Congress of the Association of Certified Protocol Practitioners of Nigeria (ACPPN), where participants noted that protocol goes beyond ceremonial duties to support governance, enhance professionalism and improve coordination in organisations.

The event, themed “Protocol Practice as a Catalyst for Effective Service Delivery in Nigeria,” explored the importance of structured systems in public administration, corporate organisations, diplomacy and even technology-driven environments.

ACPPN Executive President, Oluwatobi Michael-Ikinbor, described protocol as a core element of institutional success, emphasizing that it is not merely decorative but essential for maintaining order, consistency and professionalism.

He explained that in government institutions, protocol helps uphold discipline and due process, while in corporate settings it builds trust and credibility. In diplomacy, he added, it protects national image and enables smooth international relations.

Speaking on behalf of the ACPPN Board of Trustees Chairman, Ambassador Safiu Olaniyan said the association was created to promote global best practices, noting that protocol establishes standards for proper conduct and effective interaction in official settings.

Delivering a keynote address on behalf of former Foreign Affairs Minister, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), Ambassador Tunde Sodipo described protocol as the “first language of diplomacy,” warning that failure to observe it can negatively affect international engagements.

He added that adherence to protocol signals stability and competence to global partners and investors, which is essential for attracting opportunities and maintaining strong relations.

Group CEO of Century Group, Ken Etete, also stressed the importance of structure and discipline, noting that weak systems often lead to poor outcomes. According to him, clarity, consistency and accountability are critical to building efficient institutions and public trust.

Founder of Poise Nigeria, Mavi Isibor, highlighted that protocol must not only exist on paper but be properly enforced and measured. She stressed that leadership plays a key role in ensuring compliance, warning that when leaders ignore established systems, it undermines discipline across organisations.

Other speakers, including Ambassador Ikechi Uko and representatives from ECOWAS, described protocol as a unifying framework that promotes coordination and accountability across sectors.

Overall, participants agreed that strong protocol systems, backed by discipline, leadership and consistency, are essential for achieving effective service delivery and institutional excellence.