The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has raised concerns over inadequate healthcare, weak social protection, poor pension access, neglect and abuse affecting older persons in Nigeria.
The Commission says urgent reforms are needed to ensure that people who live longer can do so with dignity, independence, security, and full protection of their fundamental rights.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, made the call in Abuja while speaking on this year’s International Day of Older Persons, themed “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
Ojukwu said older persons should be treated as rights holders and active contributors to society rather than merely as people dependent on government or family support.
He urged authorities to strengthen healthcare, social security, legal protection, access to justice, and measures against violence, exploitation, and abandonment.
The NHRC also called for greater attention to elderly persons affected by displacement and humanitarian crises, noting that they often face additional vulnerabilities.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring violations, investigating complaints, and working with government and other stakeholders to improve the protection of older persons.
Similarly, the Civil Society for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria, COSROPIN, urged governments to improve healthcare, housing, pensions, transportation, and community support systems as Nigeria’s ageing population increases.
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(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
