FG Vows to Strengthen Social Work Sector, Inaugurate Council

Oru Leonard 

Abuja, April 22, 2026 — The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the social work profession in Nigeria, describing it as a critical driver of human development and social stability.

The Honourable Minister, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, made this known on Wednesday while receiving the executive members of the Nigerian Association of Social Workers during a courtesy visit to his office.

According to the minister, social work goes beyond being a profession, noting that it plays a foundational role in building a healthy, stable, and progressive society. He stressed that the discipline is essential in improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities, particularly those facing vulnerability, inequality, and crisis.
“Social work is a pillar of human development. We will set machinery in place for it to thrive and achieve the desired positive outcomes,” Doro stated.
He commended members of the association for their dedication, highlighting their contributions to disability inclusion, refugee support, and other social interventions across the country.

The minister also referenced the Social Work Act 2022, which legalised the profession in Nigeria, and assured stakeholders of the ministry’s readiness to collaborate on initiatives aimed at enhancing social service delivery, especially for vulnerable populations.
Doro further disclosed that the ministry’s flagship initiative, the One Humanitarian One Poverty Response System, is designed to eliminate service fragmentation and ensure efficient use of resources for sustainable development.
Speaking on accountability measures, the minister revealed that he had embarked on oversight visits to six states across the country’s geopolitical zones to assess the impact of the HoPE-CT beneficiary engagement programme, aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.“I engaged beneficiaries directly to ascertain transparency in the disbursement process. Encouragingly, they confirmed there was no undue pressure in accessing support. Their feedback will guide future programme design for improved outcomes,” he said.

He assured the association that steps would be taken to inaugurate the Social Work Council, a key demand by professionals in the sector.

Earlier, President of the Nigerian Association of Social Workers, Alhaji Mashood Mustapha, said the visit was aimed at advocating for the immediate inauguration of the Social Work Council. He added that the association is committed to strengthening the profession’s integrity and expanding its impact, noting that over 70 tertiary institutions in Nigeria currently offer social work programmes.

The engagement signals a renewed push by the federal government to institutionalise social work practice and enhance coordinated humanitarian interventions nationwide.

Cover Photo Caption, R- L: The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Dr. Bernard M. Doro in a handshake with the President, Nigerian Association of Social Workers. Alh. Mashood Mustapha when he visited the Hon. Minister .;