Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has called for stronger legal protection and improved welfare systems for elderly Nigerians, saying the country must adopt global best practices in caring for senior citizens.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking on Wednesday at a public hearing on the Bill for an Act to Provide Certain Rights for Older Persons, the Speaker—represented by the Chief Whip, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo—described the proposed legislation as crucial to safeguarding the dignity and well-being of older Nigerians who have contributed significantly to national development.
Abbas praised the bill’s sponsor, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, calling her a dedicated lawmaker whose initiative would “serve as a fallback for our elders who have paid their dues when they were young.”
He noted that Nigeria must align with countries that have already put in place strong legal frameworks to guarantee quality healthcare, social security, and civic protections for their elderly.
“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,” Abbas said.
“This bill seeks to provide privileges, protections and a legislative framework that will safeguard our elderly population.”
He urged attendees at the hearing to make meaningful contributions that would help the Committee produce a balanced and effective report.
In her remarks, Ogbara—who chairs the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development—said the bill, HB 2098, aims to address the unique health, economic and social challenges faced by older persons across Nigeria.
She stressed that the legislation forms part of a moral duty to “give back” to senior citizens who laboured for the country.
“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.
Ogbara added that the proposed law seeks to guarantee access to healthcare, financial security, and protection of social and civic rights, ensuring that older persons remain active and valued members of society.
Calling for input from stakeholders—such as advocates, healthcare professionals, and community leaders—she emphasized that their contributions would help shape a comprehensive and effective legal framework.
“The measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable population. What we are doing today is for ourselves, because every one of us will grow old,” she said.
She reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to prioritizing national interest and thanked participants for supporting efforts to improve the welfare of senior citizens.
