By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening social work practice in Nigeria through the operationalization of the Nigerian Council for Social Work, as key stakeholders gathered for a high-level Strategic Dialogue and National Social Service Workforce Coordination Meeting in Abuja.
The meeting, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, brought together representatives of government institutions, development partners, professional associations, academic institutions, and civil society organizations to chart a new course for the regulation and professionalization of social work in the country.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the gathering as a defining moment for the future of social work in Nigeria, stressing the urgent need for unity, reconciliation, and institutional collaboration to strengthen the profession and improve services for vulnerable citizens.
According to the Minister, the meeting was convened because “the institutionalization of social work in Nigeria demands it.”
“A house divided cannot regulate a profession. If we carry our divisions forward, we risk failing the very people we are meant to serve — the child in need of protection, the woman facing violence, the elderly without care, and persons with disabilities seeking dignity,” she stated.
She noted that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development remains the coordinating institution for social development in Nigeria, serving all citizens irrespective of gender.
The Minister further explained that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu places social development at the center of national transformation, adding that 2026 has been declared a year of delivering tangible results to Nigerians.
She emphasized that the Ministry is determined to build a unified and effective social work system capable of addressing the country’s growing social challenges.
“History will not remember who won which argument, but whether we had the courage to set aside our differences to strengthen social work practice in Nigeria,” she said.
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim also assured stakeholders of the Federal Government’s political will to establish the Nigerian Council for Social Work on the foundations of legitimacy, professionalism, and trust. She called on professional associations and institutions to nominate credible and competent representatives in line with the provisions of the law.
The Minister paid tribute to pioneers, educators, professional bodies, and development partners who sustained social work practice in Nigeria over the years, describing the progress achieved as “a collective victory that must now be protected.”
Speaking on behalf of UNICEF Nigeria, Child Protection Manager, Ms. Mona Aika, commended the Ministry for driving the operationalization process of the Council, describing the initiative as a decisive step toward building a strong and accountable social service workforce.
She observed that despite the passage of the Social Work Act in 2022, delays in implementation had created gaps in regulation, standards, and service delivery.
“Addressing this gap is not only urgent; it is foundational to strengthening child protection systems and improving outcomes for children and families across Nigeria,” she said.
Ms. Aika stressed that investment in the social service workforce remains critical to preventing violence against children, strengthening family-based care systems, and ensuring access to quality social services.
She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through workforce professionalization, stronger accountability systems, and sustainable government-led solutions.
“What is needed now is collective commitment to move from intention to implementation,” she added.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, said the meeting of the National Social Service Workforce Coordination Group provided a vital platform for collaboration toward establishing a functional and sustainable Nigerian Council for Social Work.
Represented by the Director of Gender Affairs, Mr. Adamu Ismaila, the Permanent Secretary explained that the Council would serve as a cornerstone for professional regulation, ethical compliance, standard setting, and capacity development within the sector.
“Our focus must move beyond policy articulation to concrete and actionable steps that will ensure the effective operationalization of the Council and the realization of its statutory mandate,” she stated.
She emphasized the importance of partnerships among government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, academic institutions, professional bodies, and technical experts in building a resilient and responsive Council.
According to her, social work remains a vital instrument for addressing societal vulnerabilities, promoting social justice, strengthening communities, and advancing national development priorities.
The two-day strategic engagement is expected to produce actionable resolutions and recommendations aimed at accelerating the operationalization of the Nigerian Council for Social Work and strengthening institutional frameworks for the protection and welfare of vulnerable persons nationwide.
Also speaking during the meeting, Deputy Director of the Gender Affairs Department and Focal Person for the Nigerian Council for Social Work, Mr. Okesa Benjamin Obiajulu, traced the efforts made by the Ministry and stakeholders toward achieving a legal framework for the professionalization of social work in Nigeria.
He described the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development as playing a leading role in advancing the process.
