States urged to adopt Senior Citizens Act for elderly

By Luminous Jannemike

ABUJA – Former Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), Dr. Emem Omokaro, has urged state governments across Nigeria to urgently domesticate the National Senior Citizens Act to safeguard the welfare of the elderly.

Speaking at the Quarter Past 65 Anniversary and Compendium Launch in Abuja, Dr. Omokaro said state-level adoption of the Act is essential to addressing the unique challenges faced by older Nigerians, especially in rural communities.

“States should develop their own policies. Before I left, three states had their state policy. This is how the impact will be felt in the rural areas. The state governments must be committed to streamlining and aligning with the federal government’s efforts in helping our older people,” she stated.

She noted that the traditional African model of elder care, rooted in filial duty and extended family support, has become unsustainable as families disperse and economic pressures mount.

“For a long time, aging was a family affair, based on filial obligation and cultural expectations. But as families become more dispersed and economic pressures mount, older persons are increasingly left without adequate care,” she said.

Recalling Nigeria’s poor standing in the 2013 Global AgeWatch Index, which ranked the country 85th out of 90, Dr. Omokaro said the data revealed “glaring gaps in income security, pension coverage, health, psychological well-being, and age-friendly environments.”

She credited recent policy advances, including the signing of the National Senior Citizens Centre Act in 2017 and the adoption of the National Policy on Aging in 2021, as milestones that now provide a legal framework for protecting the rights of older citizens.

“Now, for the first time, we have a legal and institutional framework recognizing that older persons are citizens with rights, rights to be heard, to be included in budgeting, and to benefit from national development,” she said.

Podcast host Dr. Stella Odogwu, who marked the show’s first anniversary at the event, described it as a celebration of age, experience, and enduring impact.

“This day is for them. It’s not about power or politics, it’s about acknowledging the journey from childhood to adolescence, adulthood, and now senior citizenship,” she said.

Reflecting on her own life, Dr. Odogwu spoke of gratitude, joy, and the health challenges that come with aging.

“Aging also brings new experiences, joyful time with family and friends, but we must acknowledge the physical, emotional, and mental health challenges that come along.

“It’s now time for state governments to act. Domestication of the National Senior Citizens Act is critical if we are to build an inclusive society that protects its elderly at every level,” she urged.

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