The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard M. Doro, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to strengthening social work as a critical driver of human development.
It also announced plans to establish institutional frameworks that will enable the profession to thrive and deliver measurable impact.
Dr. Doro made this known while receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Social Workers during a courtesy visit to his office on Wednesday in Abuja, where discussions focused on advancing the role of social work in national development and improving service delivery to vulnerable populations.
Describing social work as “a pillar of human development,” the Minister emphasized that the profession goes beyond a career path, serving as a foundational force for building a stable, inclusive and progressive society.
He noted that social workers play a vital role in improving the well being of individuals, families and communities, particularly those facing vulnerability, inequality, and crisis, including persons with disabilities and refugees.
He further highlighted that the profession has received legal backing through the Social Work Act 2022, assuring that the ministry remains open to strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing social protection delivery across the country.
Dr. Doro also underscored the significance of the ministry’s flagship initiative, the One Humanitarian One Poverty Response System, which is designed to eliminate fragmentation in service delivery and ensure efficiency, accountability and value for money in humanitarian interventions.
Providing insights into ongoing reforms, the Minister revealed that he has conducted assessment visits across six states representing the country’s geopolitical zones to evaluate the impact of the HoPE-CT beneficiary engagement programme.
According to him, direct engagement with beneficiaries has strengthened transparency, with feedback confirming that funds were received without undue interference.
He added that such feedback will guide future programme design for improved outcomes in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister assured the association that steps are underway to inaugurate the Social Work Council, a move expected to further professionalize and regulate the sector.
Earlier, President of the Nigerian Association of Social Workers, Alhaji Mashood Mustapha, said the visit was to advocate for the immediate inauguration of the Social Work Council, as well as to discuss the future of the profession and strengthen its integrity. He noted that more than 70 tertiary institutions across Nigeria currently offer social work programmes, underscoring the growing relevance of the field in national development.
