FG Moves to Institutionalise Social Work, Doro Pledges Council, Stronger Welfare Systems
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
In a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection framework, the Federal Government has pledged to institutionalise social work as a critical driver of human development, with plans underway to establish structures that will enhance service delivery to vulnerable populations.
The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard M. Doro, made the commitment on April 22, 2026, while receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Social Workers during a courtesy visit in Abuja.
According to a press statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the Minister emphasized the strategic importance of social work in nation-building and sustainable development.
“Social work is not just a profession but a foundational force in building a healthy, stable and progressive society. We will set a machinery in place for it to thrive and achieve the desired positive goals,” Doro stated.
The statement, released by the Ministry, highlighted the Minister’s recognition of social workers’ contributions to disability inclusion, refugee support, and community development, noting that the profession plays a vital role in addressing vulnerability, inequality, and crisis.
Dr. Doro further disclosed that the social work profession in Nigeria has been legally backed by the Social Work Act 2022, assuring that the Ministry remains open to partnerships that will enhance social service delivery across the country.
“Our Ministry is open to collaboration on initiatives that will strengthen social protection delivery, particularly for the most vulnerable in society,” he added.
He also spotlighted the Ministry’s flagship initiative, the “One Humanitarian One Poverty Response System,” describing it as a transformative approach designed to eliminate fragmentation in service delivery and ensure efficiency and accountability.
“This system is poised to ensure Nigerians get value for money while driving sustainable development outcomes,” the Minister explained.
Speaking on oversight and transparency, Doro revealed that he had undertaken visits to six states across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones to directly engage beneficiaries of the HoPE-CT programme, a key component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I engaged beneficiaries directly and asked if there was any undue pressure before receiving support. The response was clear—there was none. This feedback will guide future improvements,” he noted.
The Minister also assured stakeholders that steps are being taken to inaugurate the Social Work Council, a move expected to further professionalise and regulate the sector.
Earlier, President of the Association, Mashood Mustapha, said the visit was aimed at advocating for the inauguration of the Social Work Council and strengthening the integrity of the profession.
“We are committed to promoting the future of social work in Nigeria and ensuring it makes a greater impact in society,” he said, adding that over 70 tertiary institutions in the country currently offer social work programmes.
The engagement underscores growing collaboration between government and professional bodies to reposition social welfare systems as a cornerstone of inclusive national development.
