The House of Representatives has restated its commitment to passing a law that will provide free medical services in government health facilities, tax exemptions and monthly stipends for senior citizens across Nigeria.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, made this known during a public hearing on the Older Persons (Rights and Privileges) Bill, organised by the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development on Wednesday. He was represented at the event by the Chief Whip, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo (APC, Gombe).
The Speaker observed that traditional family support systems which once catered for the elderly have significantly weakened, creating the need for a formal legal framework to protect senior citizens from neglect and abuse. He noted that although the National Senior Citizens Centre Act of 2018 exists, it does not sufficiently address the peculiar needs and rights of older persons.
According to him, the proposed bill seeks to provide comprehensive protection for senior citizens by guaranteeing their health, economic, social and civil rights. He added that while the Nigerian Constitution guarantees basic rights and non-discrimination, it does not adequately address age-related injustices faced by older persons.
Chairperson of the committee, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, said the bill reflects the collective responsibility of lawmakers to ensure that older persons are treated with dignity and respect. She explained that older people often face unique challenges, including declining health, financial instability and social exclusion, which the bill is designed to tackle.
She described House Bill 2098 as a measure aimed at providing health and economic relief for the elderly, while also protecting their social and civic rights to enable them contribute meaningfully to society.
At the public hearing, the National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Badamasi Lawal, represented by Dr. Nsikak Okon, called for the harmonisation of the new bill with the National Senior Citizens Centre Act, 2018, to ensure smooth implementation.
Similarly, a representative of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Martins Ikagu, described the bill as a positive step towards strengthening Nigeria’s social security framework. However, he urged the House to review specific clauses of the bill for clarity and alignment, while reaffirming PenCom’s commitment to protecting the rights of older persons, including retirees.
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