By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to improving the welfare of older persons through stronger social protection systems, enhanced healthcare access, caregiver training, and closer collaboration with stakeholders advocating for the rights of senior citizens.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, gave the assurance while receiving members of the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN), led by Senator Dr. Eze D. Ajoku, during a courtesy visit to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Doro said the ministry would carefully review all requests and recommendations presented by the coalition and work closely with the National Senior Citizens Centre to address areas requiring intervention.
“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 were already underway with international partners to strengthen systems for elderly care in Nigeria.
According to him, advanced engagements held during a recent visit to New York focused on building local capacity for elderly care, particularly in specialized areas requiring professional support.
The minister also revealed that proposals were being considered to improve the training of caregivers responsible for supporting older 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 promised to pursue the matter through appropriate channels to facilitate its passage and implementation.
Addressing concerns over healthcare access, the minister acknowledged the importance of health insurance for retirees and vulnerable older persons. He said the ministry would engage the Federal Ministry of Health to explore ways of extending healthcare support to retired civil servants and senior citizens in the informal sector.
He further welcomed the National Policy on Ageing presented by COSROPIN, assuring the delegation that the document would be thoroughly studied to identify areas of partnership aimed at improving the quality of life of older Nigerians.
According to the minister, policies designed to protect older persons are investments in the future of the country.
“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 training programmes, advocacy initiatives and institutional reforms geared towards improving elderly care nationwide. He announced plans to establish a technical team to facilitate collaboration between the ministry, the National Senior Citizens Centre and other relevant stakeholders.
The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s social protection architecture, reducing poverty and promoting resilience among vulnerable populations.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. 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 with the delegation and hear firsthand the concerns affecting senior citizens.
Olusanya assured the visitors 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 delegation, Senator Ajoku congratulated Doro on his appointment and described it as timely and well deserved.
He explained that COSROPIN serves as an umbrella coalition representing more than 170 civil society organisations, faith-based groups, community-based 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 the ministry’s support for 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 systems and increased government support for older persons nationwide.
The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepening collaboration aimed at improving the welfare, dignity and quality of life of older persons in Nigeria.
