Fatimah Otunsanya
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called for stronger legal protection and improved welfare incentives for elderly Nigerians.
Abbas, represented by the Chief Whip of the House, Usman Kumo, urged the Federal Government to adopt global best practices in caring for senior citizens.
He made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at a public hearing on a bill seeking to provide legally enforceable rights for older persons.
The Speaker described the proposed legislation as a crucial step toward giving respect and proper recognition to elderly citizens who, he said, devoted their productive years to national development.
He commended the sponsor of the bill, Kafilat Ogbara (APC, Lagos), noting that her initiative would “serve as a fallback for our elders who have paid their dues when they were young.”
He said, “As a nation, we cannot operate in isolation. We must borrow from well-meaning, developed countries on how they treat their citizens, particularly the older ones. This bill seeks to provide privileges, protections and a legislative framework that will safeguard our elderly population.”
Abbas urged participants at the hearing to make meaningful contributions that would help the Committee prepare a comprehensive report for further legislative action.
Although Nigeria’s population of older persons continues to grow, the country still lacks a coherent national protection framework for senior citizens.
Existing policies remain largely fragmented, underfunded or poorly enforced.
the absence of a functioning social security system, most elderly Nigerians depend on family support, charity or informal community networks.
Many face challenges ranging from poverty and inadequate healthcare to abuse and neglect, issues that advocates say persist because there is no binding legal structure guaranteeing their rights or outlining government obligations.
Earlier in her remarks, Ogbara, who chairs the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, said the bill aims to tackle the unique health, economic and social challenges faced by older persons across the country.
She said the proposed law is part of a moral responsibility to “give back” to senior citizens who sacrificed for national progress.
“This bill is designed to provide essential rights for older persons. It is our collective responsibility to ensure they receive the dignity, respect and support they deserve,” she said.