To the Government of the United Kingdom,

As a community deeply invested in the well-being of both healthcare professionals and those they serve, we respectfully call on the UK Government to stand with Nigerian healthcare and social care professionals working in the United Kingdom. These dedicated individuals play an indispensable role in our health system, offering their skills, compassion, and commitment amid myriad challenges.

Recently, during a live broadcast, certain derogatory comments were made by Mr. Daniel Bwala, suggesting a lack of respect for these professionals. Such remarks not only undermine their significant contributions but also perpetuate stereotypes and discrimination, subsequently affecting their morale, sense of belonging, and professional dignity.

We respectfully call on the UK Government to publicly reaffirm its support for Nigerian healthcare and social care professionals and to condemn public remarks that demean or belittle those who have chosen to work in the United Kingdom's health and social care sector.

During a live broadcast, Mr Daniel Bwala reportedly stated:
"Some of you in Nigeria, see think you're suffering. You're better off than your colleagues that japa five years ago. A Nigerian that finished with first class, now most in the UK, do you know majority of them where they are working? Care homes. The type of jobs they get there is less than that of a house girl. Majority of them are Nigerians, PhD, Masters, guess their supervisor who? A boy that refused to go to secondary school, but because he's a citizen of the United Kingdom."

These remarks have caused deep concern among many Nigerian healthcare and social care professionals in the United Kingdom. They appear to belittle care homework and diminish the professionalism, dignity, and value of those who dedicate their lives to caring for older people, people living with dementia, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable members of society.

Care work is not an inferior profession. It is an essential part of the UK's health and social care system. Thousands of highly educated Nigerians, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, healthcare assistants, support workers, social workers, and researchers, serve with compassion, professionalism, and integrity across the NHS and the wider care sector.

Many professionals begin their careers in care settings while progressing professionally, gaining UK experience, or supporting their families. Their contribution should be respected, not ridiculed.

The suggestion that working in a care home is "less than that of a house girl" is deeply offensive to many care workers, regardless of nationality. It undermines the dignity of a profession built on compassion, safeguarding, respect, and the care of vulnerable people.

As healthcare and social care professionals, we are proud of the work we do. We provide essential services every day, often under significant pressure, to ensure that patients and residents receive safe, person-centred, and compassionate care. Comments that demean this work leave many feelings hurt, degraded, and undervalued.

We respectfully ask the UK Government to:
• Reaffirm its support for all healthcare and social care professionals working in the United Kingdom, regardless of nationality or ethnicity.
• Publicly recognise the invaluable contribution made by Nigerian and other international healthcare workers to the NHS and the UK's social care sector.
• Condemn public statements that demean or devalue healthcare and social care professionals because of their occupation or national origin.
• Continue promoting equality, dignity, inclusion, and mutual respect across the UK workforce.

This petition is not intended to limit freedom of expression. Rather, it seeks recognition that healthcare and social care professionals deserve respect for the vital work they perform every day. No profession dedicated to caring for vulnerable people should be portrayed as inferior or used as a means of demeaning those who serve within it.

Nigerian healthcare and social care professionals bring invaluable diversity and expertise, enriching the UK's multicultural society. It is crucial for the UK Government to publicly reaffirm its support and appreciation for these professionals, acknowledging their contributions to bridging workforce gaps, improving patient outcomes, and strengthening our healthcare system.

It is imperative that the government addresses such defamatory remarks promptly by condemning divisions and upholding the dignity of all healthcare workers, ensuring a supportive environment where they are celebrated and respected.

By actively condemning derogatory rhetoric, the UK Government can demonstrate its commitment to equality and inclusivity for all, showing leadership and setting an example for others.

We urge you, esteemed members of the UK Government, to issue a public statement supporting Nigerian healthcare workers and to introduce measures that prevent similar issues in the future, thus fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all health and social care professionals.

We kindly call on you to sign this petition to stand in solidarity with Nigerian healthcare and social care professionals. Let us ensure they are treated with the dignity and respect they so rightly deserve. Together, we can make a difference.