Older Nigerians are calling for sustainable social protection programmes to help them cope with economic hardship, especially those without pensions or reliable incomes.
National President of the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria, Eze Ajoku, urged federal and state governments to prioritise their welfare.
He spoke in Abuja at an event marking the 2026 United Nations International Day of Older Persons.
Older persons took to the streets of Abuja to demand government action on economic hardship, social isolation and neglect.
They want support that allows them to meet their basic needs and live in dignity.
The coalition’s National President, Eze Ajoku, said many older Nigerians contributed to national development through the informal sector but have no pensions to sustain them.
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He called for social protection programmes that support older persons regardless of their employment history or pension status.
The International Day of Older Persons is observed annually on October 1.
This year’s theme, “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” calls for policies that ensure longer lives are healthier, more productive and dignified.
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(Editor: Ada Ononye)
