The Association of Nigerian Social Workers in the UK says a growing number of Nigerian parents are losing their children to the British child protection system, often because they do not understand local parenting standards. It has asked the Nigeria High Commission to work with it on protecting Nigerian children and supporting their families.
Association President Barizoge Neenwi told Diaspora Tales that early support is the best way to prevent such cases.
“They need to be educated, enlightened, and supported, and early intervention is the key,” she said. “We have different Nigerians with different backgrounds, knowledge, expertise that can really work with our Nigerian High Commission to support our people.”
She said many Nigerian parents work several jobs to survive in the UK and do not realise that social care services can support, empower and advocate for them.
Discipline at the centre of many cases
Secretary General Kemi Aare said children who are physically disciplined by Nigerian guardians can be taken into care. She explained that in the UK, physical punishment that causes injury or raises safeguarding concerns may be treated as abuse and can lead to intervention by children’s services.
“What may be considered normal parenting practice in one country can sometimes be interpreted differently under UK legislation and safeguarding expectations,” she said.
Aare added that domestic conflict, parental stress, mental health challenges, housing difficulties and a lack of family or community support can also contribute. She stressed that the system exists mainly to protect children and support families. “The removal of a child is generally considered a last resort when professionals believe there is a significant risk of harm and all other options have been explored,” she said.
In January 2025, a Nigerian mother in Durham publicly appealed for help after social services took her children into care. She said her husband was arrested on December 3, 2024, after their daughter made a disclosure to her school. According to her, the girl later withdrew the allegation, but the children were removed on December 12. She asked the Nigeria High Commission and the Federal Government to intervene.
The association was founded by qualified social workers to support the Nigerian community while promoting professional excellence and safeguarding standards.
