The Federal Government has called for innovative solutions to address the challenge of marital and family disputes in Nigeria.

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Yakubu Kofarnata, made the call during a one-day Capacity Building Workshop on Professional Social Case Management for Settling Marital and Family Disputes, yesterday in Abuja.

Represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Meshak Onyinloye, he said that marital and family disputes are increasingly becoming prevalent due to various social, economic, and cultural factors, and if left unresolved, could have far-reaching consequences.

He noted, “Family as the bedrock of society plays a pivotal role in shaping values, behaviours, and attitudes that define our collective future. When families thrive, communities flourish; and when communities flourish, the nation prospers.”

“However, the realities of modern life have introduced complexities that place significant strain on marital and family relationships. Social conflicts, community conflicts, economic pressures, and cultural transitions are now but a few of the challenges confronting families across Nigeria.”

He therefore tasked participants at the training to find innovative solutions to tackle the growing concerns of family dispute resolution.

“This workshop is designed to empower participants with best practices and innovative approaches to professional social case management.

“By integrating global standards with local cultural nuances, we aim to create a cadre of skilled practitioners capable of addressing the unique challenges faced by Nigerian families,” he added.

Speaking on the need for professional intervention mechanisms to address marital and family disputes, Director of the Social Development Department of the ministry, Valentine Ezulu, highlighted the urgent need for structured interventions and the critical role of professional social case management.

He explained, “The workshop is specifically designed to equip social welfare practitioners with the requisite skills and knowledge to effectively manage marital and family disputes.

“It focuses on practical strategies and evidence-based approaches that are culturally relevant to our society. By enhancing your capacity as social workers, mediators, and advocates, we aim to strengthen the support systems available to families in distress and foster harmonious relationships within our communities.”

Ezulu said if family and marital conflicts are “left unresolved, these disputes can lead to disintegration of the family unit, with far-reaching consequences for individuals and society at large.

“This reality highlights the urgent need for structured interventions and the critical role of professional social case management.”