Est. 2005 · Nigeria High Commission, London
One voice for Nigerians in the United Kingdom
CANUK unites around 200 Nigerian associations under one umbrella — championing welfare, representing our community to UK and Nigerian authorities, and celebrating who we are.

AGM 2024 · MV Sapphire, River Thames
- Founded by the Nigeria High Commission
- 2005
- Associations represented
- ~200
- Nigerians living in the UK
- 2M+
- Years serving the community
- 21
Our mission
“To protect, unify and empower Nigerians in the United Kingdom.”
Formed by the Nigeria High Commission in 2005 to bring the many Nigerian societies, unions and associations in the UK under one umbrella — so our community’s welfare, views and interests are represented in a harmonious, organised way.
More about CANUK →Welfare
To cater for the welfare and community interests of Nigerians resident in the United Kingdom.
Coordination
To provide a common forum for coordinating the activities of the various Nigerian organisations in the United Kingdom.
Representation
To liaise and promote good relations with the Nigeria High Commission and other UK authorities on matters relating to the welfare of Nigerians in the United Kingdom.
Reputation
To encourage good conduct and behaviour amongst Nigerians, with a view to promoting a positive image of Nigeria.
Newsroom
Latest from the community

Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Christopher Kolade, passes away
CANUK has received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Dr Christopher Kolade, former High Commissioner to the UK and founding father of CANUK, at the age of 92.
Read more →
CANUK welcomes Acting High Commissioner, HE Mohammed Maidugu
On behalf of Nigerians in the United Kingdom, CANUK warmly welcomes the Acting Nigeria High Commissioner to the Court of St James’s and his family.
Read more →
Sailing success: highlights from CANUK’s AGM on the MV Sapphire
Around 150 delegates gathered aboard the MV Sapphire for a six-hour session on the challenges facing the Nigerian community in the UK.
Read more →
Diaspora Nigerians to enjoy seamless passport processing — Tunji-Ojo
The Ministry of Interior is set to create new passport processing and collection centres, especially for Nigerians in the diaspora.
Read more →The Chairman on our founding patron, Dr Christopher Kolade
“His belief in the unity and potential of Nigerians in the diaspora laid the foundation for the vibrant organisation we have today.”

Hon. Dr Iliyasu Maisanda
Chairman, CANUK · BSc, MSc, ACMA, CGMA, FCA, Fintech (Oxford)
Patrons & partners
Working with Nigeria’s leadership

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Amb. Mohammed Maidugu
Acting Nigeria High Commissioner to the Court of St James’s

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa
Chair, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM)
Membership
Is your association part of CANUK?
Join the community’s collective voice. Apply online in five minutes — no forms to print, scan or post.
Promotion & publicity
Your association’s events and achievements featured across CANUK channels and Diaspora Voice magazine.
Networking & opportunities
Meet leaders of member associations, the High Commission and UK partners.
Community welfare & care
Access to CANUK’s welfare network when members of your community need support.
Community events
Priority invitations to the AGM, Annual Gala, Legal Awareness Day and more.
National development
A seat at the table on issues that matter to Nigerians in the UK and at home.
Youth mentoring & support
Mentoring, careers and leadership programmes for the next generation.
Gallery
Annual General Election 2023
Member associations gather for CANUK’s Annual General Election.
Publication
Diaspora Voice
A community magazine produced by the CANUK Publicity Team, telling the stories of Nigerians and other Black and minority ethnic groups living and working in the United Kingdom.
Get Diaspora Voice and CANUK news by email
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