Child protection experts and UK-based social workers have raised concerns over a growing trend of Nigerian parents losing legal custody of their children to the British care system.
The phenomenon, driven by severe cultural clashes, strict local child safeguarding laws, and a lack of orientation for newly arrived diaspora families, has sparked urgent calls for intervention from diaspora groups and diplomatic missions.
For many West African immigrants, traditional disciplinary practices and parental authority structures are deeply rooted in cultural upbringing.
However, under United Kingdom child protection legislation, practices that are commonplace in Nigeria can trigger immediate intervention by local social services.
The experts, under the aegis of the Association of Nigerian Social Workers in the UK, said Nigerian parents need support to help them avoid losing their children.
The executives of the association urged the Nigerian High Commission to intervene by working with the association in protecting Nigerian children in the UK.
The group President, Barizoge Neenwi, told Diaspora Tales that many Nigerian communities need the support of social workers and the High Commission to understand British culture in handling their children.
“They need to be educated, enlightened, and supported, and early intervention is the key. We have different Nigerians with different backgrounds, knowledge, and expertise that can really work with our Nigerian High Commission to support our people,” Neenwi said.
According to her, Nigerian parents who are involved in many jobs to survive in the UK do not understand that social care can support, empower, and advocate for them.
“They need the support of the Nigerian High Commission to step in to protect, safeguard, or intervene for their citizens,” Neenwi stated.
Also, the Secretary General of the group, Kemi Aare, said children subjected to corporal punishment by their Nigerian guardians may be taken over by the UK authorities.
“In the United Kingdom, physical punishment that causes injury or raises safeguarding concerns can be regarded as physical abuse and may lead to intervention from children’s services.”
Aare emphasised that many Nigerian families who migrated to the UK were still struggling to understand cultural differences, parenting practices, and the child protection framework.
“What may be considered normal parenting practice in one country can sometimes be interpreted differently under UK legislation and safeguarding expectations,” she affirmed.
“Other contributing factors may include domestic conflict, parental stress, mental health challenges, housing difficulties, and a lack of family or community support networks.”
She, however, added that the UK’s child protection system is designed primarily to safeguard 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 added.
There have been reported cases of Nigerian families losing custody of their children to British authorities under varying circumstances.
In January 2025, a Nigerian mother living in Durham, England, cried out after British social services took her children into care following allegations made by her daughter against her husband.
The woman claimed that her husband was arrested on December 3, 2024, after their daughter disclosed allegations to school authorities.
She noted that although the girl subsequently withdrew the allegation, social services removed the children on December 12.
The mother appealed to the Nigerian High Commission and the Federal Government to intervene.
The organisation is established by qualified and dedicated social workers committed to supporting the Nigerian community while promoting professional excellence and safeguarding standards.
