The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to unlocking the untapped potential of the country’s aging population.
This promise was made by Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, during her address at the International Day of Older Persons ceremony held at the UN House in Abuja.
The event, themed ‘Fulfilling the Promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons across generations,’ was jointly organized by the United Nations (UN) and the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC).
Minister Edu commended the establishment of the NSCC through the NSCC Act 2017, which aims to integrate older persons into initiatives that deliver positive outcomes for this demographic.
Dr. Edu emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to reposition the Ministry reflect the government’s determination to create effective mechanisms and achieve its objectives. She stated, “The NSCC remains the veritable agency to consolidate opportunities for the older population, in partnership with the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies through multi-sectoral coordination.”
The government’s agenda includes supporting the domestication of key acts such as the NSCC Act, VAPP Act, Persons with Disability Act, and National Health Authority Act at the state level.
The administration is determined to harness the potential of the aging population, combat ageism and negative stereotypes, and address gaps and inconsistencies in data.
Furthermore, the government will focus on research, human capital development, and establishing systems capable of providing comprehensive support to older persons, including age-friendly environments, universal health coverage, and long-term care systems.
Mr. Matthias Schmale, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, expressed the UN’s unwavering support for Nigeria in promoting and safeguarding the rights of older persons.
He underscored the significance of the event as an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on the protection of older persons’ rights.
Schmale stated, “As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the UN in Nigeria is committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts towards enhancing the promotion and protection of the rights of older persons.”
Dr. Emem Omokaro, the Director-General of NSCC, highlighted universally declared rights of older persons, including the right to life, liberty, security, freedom from discrimination, abuse, violence, torture, and the right to work and education, among others.
The event aimed to foster a deeper understanding of opportunities and challenges older persons face, strengthen partnerships, and promote aging mainstreaming in multi-sector plans and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while emphasizing equity and solidarity across generations.