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CANUKCentral Association of Nigerians in the UK

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.

CANUK delegates at the 2024 AGM aboard the MV Sapphire

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 →
01

Welfare

To cater for the welfare and community interests of Nigerians resident in the United Kingdom.

02

Coordination

To provide a common forum for coordinating the activities of the various Nigerian organisations in the United Kingdom.

03

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.

04

Reputation

To encourage good conduct and behaviour amongst Nigerians, with a view to promoting a positive image of Nigeria.

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)

Meet the Executive Committee →

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.

View all photos

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

Monthly at most. Unsubscribe any time.