The Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Association of Social Workers (NASoW) has called on all levels of government to establish a regulatory council for social work in Nigeria.
Speaking in Lagos on Tuesday during the World Social Work Day (WSWD) celebration, NASoW State Chairperson, Ms Olubunmi Lamilisa, stressed the need for a well-regulated council to standardise the profession, ensure accountability, and enhance service delivery.
WSWD is observed annually on the third Tuesday of March. The 2025 theme, Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing, highlights the importance of fostering connections between generations in an increasingly unstable and polarised world.
Lamilisa emphasised that social workers globally are advocating for stronger intergenerational ties, reinforcing the need for unity across different age groups, societies, and continents.
She reaffirmed NASoW’s commitment to serving humanity, advocating for the vulnerable, and promoting fairness and equal opportunities. She also reiterated the association’s readiness to collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders to advance social work in Lagos State and across the country.
However, Lamilisa lamented the challenges faced by the Lagos chapter of NASoW, including lack of recognition, institutional support, and widespread public misconceptions about the profession.
According to her, NASoW Lagos has 702 active members working across various sectors to address critical social issues. “Despite our efforts, we continue to struggle with issues such as inadequate recognition, limited institutional support, and insufficient funding for social workers,” she said.
She called for increased financial investment in social work to expand training opportunities, provide mental health services, strengthen child protection efforts, and enhance community interventions. She urged stakeholders to join hands with social workers in their mission to improve society.
