The federal government, on Friday, inaugurated the Nigerian Council for Social Work (NCWS) and its board to ensure strict compliance with all operational regulations guiding the practice of social work in Nigeria.

Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the minister of women affairs, while inaugurating the council alongside its board members in Abuja, said the body had the statutory duty of ensuring strict compliance with all regulations guiding the practice of social work in Nigeria.

Mrs Kennedy-Ohanenye stressed the role the ministry plays in the care and protection of the most vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian Council for Social Work is targeted at professionals who deliver services to vulnerable groups, hence the reason why the ministry is playing the lead role in the constitution of the council,” she said.

Mrs Kennedy-Ohanenye added that the group was expected to provide general guidance and direction relating to the planning, development and supporting of the social service workforce at the national level.

“They will also act as a clearing house for draft policies and programmes relating to the strengthening of the social service workforce in Nigeria to ensure uniformity and standardisation,” she said.

The minister added that board members were expected to regulate all matters relating to social work education and practice in all ramifications in Nigeria.

“I wish to further reiterate the ministry’s readiness to support this council and also work with other relevant stakeholders in promoting and protecting the rights of the women, children and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

Okwesa Obiajuli, deputy director, gender affairs, FMoWA, said the non-existence of a functional legal framework for social work practice in Nigeria prompted stakeholders to initiate a bill.

Ms Obiajuli added that the bill would enable the council to serve as a clearing house for the social work profession, promote professional standards, improve effectiveness and efficiency, and regulate the practice of social work.

He said this was important, considering the importance of the Act to the social work community, coupled with the multiplication of emergency cases in Nigeria that required immediate intervention.

“The council will drive the implementation of the national council for social work Act.

“This will provide a framework for setting up the council and will also advise the government on modalities for its take off in line with the provision of the Act,” he said.

Chikodi Onyemerela, country director of programmes, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria, highlighted the importance of regulating social work in Nigeria for the protection of children and vulnerable persons.

(NAN)