Lawmakers Push Older Persons Rights Bill To Expand Social Benefits

The House of Representatives is considering a bill to strengthen the rights and welfare of older citizens.

The proposed law,
the Older Persons (Rights and Privileges) Bill, 2025 would provide free medical care, financial assistance, and legal protections, addressing gaps in current legislation and supporting the country’s aging population.

Speaking at a public hearing organized by the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Speaker of the house , Dr. Abbas Tajudeen said the legislation was needed because existing laws, including the National Senior Citizens Centre Act, 2018, do not fully meet the needs of older Nigerians.

“Older citizens often face neglect, poverty, limited access to healthcare, and social exclusion.

“This bill provides a legally enforceable framework to protect their rights and welfare,” he said. The bill outlines provisions for free medical services in government facilities, monthly stipends, tax relief, and protection against abandonment. It also seeks to address challenges such as joblessness, loneliness, insecurity, and other social and economic pressures on older citizens.”

The Speaker who was represented by the Chief Whip Usman Kumo, noted that many of these social benefits were previously covered by traditional family support systems but underscored the House’s resolve to provide a formal legal structure that will protect the aged from abuse.

In her remarks, Chairman, House Committee on Women and Social Development, Kafilat Ogbara explained that the provisions of this bill reflects on the collective responsibility to ensure that the older population receives the dignity, respect, and support they deserve.” I call it – Society giving back.”

“As we know, older persons often face unique challenges that can affect their health, economic stability, and social engagement. This legislation aims to address these issues head-on by establishing a framework that guarantees their rights and protections.

“House Bill 2098 seeks to ensure health and economic relief for older persons, recognising that access to quality healthcare and financial security are fundamental human rights. It also emphasises the importance of protecting their social and civic rights, allowing them to participate fully in society and contribute their wisdom and experience.”

In his presentation, National Coordinator/CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, NSIPA Badamasi Lawal who was represented by Dr. Nsikak Okon urged that the Older Persons bill, 2025 under consideration should be harmonized with the National Senior Citizens Centre Act, 2018 for ease of operationability in supporting Older Persons in Nigeria.

On her part, Barrister Martins Ikagu who spoke on behalf of the National Pension Commission (NPC), described the proposed legislation as a positive development which would further strengthen and expand the legal framework on social security in Nigeria.

While calling for review of the proposals in clause 2, 3(2), 4(1), 5, 17(1), 30 and 38(2) of the proposed bill, for contextual correctness, he reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to protecting the social rights of Older Persons, including retirees who have a constitutional right to earn pension after retirement.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji