By Harriet Tornguvan
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of older persons through strengthened social protection systems, expanded healthcare access, enhanced caregiver training, and sustained collaboration with stakeholders advocating for the rights and wellbeing of senior citizens across the country.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, gave the assurance while receiving members of the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN), led by Senator Eze Ajoku, during a courtesy visit to the ministry's headquarters in Abuja.
Doro said the government remained committed to ensuring that older Nigerians enjoy dignity, inclusion, and access to necessary support services. He assured the delegation that all requests and recommendations presented during the meeting would be carefully reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies.
“We will take time to carefully look into every request that has been presented to us today and work closely with the National Senior Citizens Centre to ensure that areas requiring intervention receive the necessary attention,” the minister said.
He disclosed that discussions had already commenced with international partners to strengthen systems for the care of older persons. According to him, recent engagements in New York focused on building local capacity for elderly care, particularly in areas requiring specialised support.
The minister also revealed that proposals were being considered to improve the training of caregivers responsible for supporting elderly persons, including those living with dementia and other age-related conditions.
On the proposed Rights and Privileges of Older Persons Bill currently before the National Assembly, Doro pledged the ministry’s support and assured the coalition that efforts would be made to facilitate its progress through appropriate channels.
Addressing concerns over healthcare access, he acknowledged the importance of health insurance coverage for retirees and vulnerable older persons, promising to engage the Federal Ministry of Health on possible mechanisms to extend healthcare support to retired civil servants and elderly persons in the informal sector.
The minister further welcomed the National Policy on Ageing presented by the coalition, assuring members that the document would be thoroughly reviewed to identify areas of partnership aimed at improving the quality of life of older Nigerians.
According to him, investments in policies that protect senior citizens are investments in the future of the nation.
“We will all age at some point. Whatever policies we put in place today to support older persons are ultimately preparing the way for ourselves and future generations,” he stated.
Doro also pledged support for advocacy programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and institutional reforms designed to improve elderly care nationwide. He disclosed plans to establish a technical team that would facilitate collaboration between the ministry, the National Senior Citizens Centre, and other stakeholders.
The minister reiterated the ministry’s commitment to reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s social protection architecture, reducing poverty, empowering vulnerable populations, and creating sustainable pathways to resilience and prosperity.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olubunmi Olusanya, commended COSROPIN for its advocacy efforts on behalf of older persons across the country. He noted that despite a demanding schedule, the minister considered it important to meet directly with representatives of senior citizens and hear their concerns.
Olusanya assured the delegation that the ministry remained committed to promoting the welfare, dignity, and inclusion of older persons in line with the Federal Government’s humanitarian and social protection agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Senator Ajoku congratulated Doro on his appointment as minister, describing it as timely and well deserved.
He explained that COSROPIN serves as an umbrella body representing more than 170 civil society organisations, faith-based groups, community organisations, retirees’ associations, and institutions working to advance the rights and welfare of older persons in Nigeria.
Ajoku highlighted the coalition’s role in the establishment of the National Senior Citizens Centre and the development of the National Policy on Ageing. He also appealed for government support towards the passage and implementation of the Rights and Privileges of Older Persons Bill currently before the National Assembly.
The coalition further called for improved healthcare access, expanded health insurance coverage, stronger social protection mechanisms, and increased government support for senior citizens across the country.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing a renewed commitment to deepening collaboration to improve the welfare, dignity, and quality of life of older persons in Nigeria. Senior officials of the ministry and members of COSROPIN were in attendance.
