Stakeholders in the care, social, and private sectors, recently converged on Lagos to chart a path towards building a thriving care economy in Nigeria.
The roundtable and learning session held in celebration of the International Day of Care & Support 2025, was organised by The Nanny Academy, in partnership with Adaba Initiatives and Sisters in Development.
Themed ‘Building a Thriving Care Economy in Nigeria: Ethics, Equity, and Investment,’ the session explored practical ways to build an inclusive and sustainable care system in Nigeria through ethics, equity, and investment-driven strategies.
“Moral responsibility and human dignity form the foundation of a thriving care economy,” Fabia Ogunmekan, principal consultant, Adaba Initiatives, stated.
Speaking on ‘Ethics of Care and the Care Economy’, Ogunmekan stated that the mission of convening the roundtable was to ensure that care work is recognized, respected, and integrated into national development priorities.
Amara Agbim, CEO, The Nanny Academy, stated that the care economy holds untapped potential for creating jobs, driving equity, and empowering women.
She noted that building structures that value and professionalize care work will redefine Nigeria’s approach to social welfare.
In a presentation titled, ‘Architecture for a Thriving Care Economy in Nigeria’ Agbim outlined the need for a comprehensive national framework that supports care workers through structured training, protection, and fair pay.
A major highlight of the event was the conversation tagged ‘Voice from the Field’, presented by Jessica Ifechukwu, a caregiver representative from The Nanny Academy.
Ifechukwu shared insights into the daily realities, challenges, and aspirations of domestic care workers in Nigeria. “Care work is more than a job; it is service, love, and sacrifice, with better training, respect, and support. Caregivers can continue to build stronger families and communities.”
The roundtable also featured interactive discussions among participants, fostering collaboration and generating shared recommendations on; policy pathways to recognize and protect domestic workers; private sector investment in care infrastructure and workforce development; and community and corporate-led models that ensure care work remains dignified, safe, and sustainable.
Participants emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the visibility, training, and protection of care workers across Nigeria, positioning the care economy as a vital driver of inclusive growth.
At the end of the session participants committed to strengthening multi-stakeholder understanding of the social and economic value of care work; development of policy and advocacy recommendations to enhance care workers’ rights and working conditions.
The participants also commits to the identification of private sector opportunities for investment in care services and training programs, and reinforcing recognition of care work as an essential pillar for gender equality and social development.
