Protecting Our Elders: Nigerian Govt Demands Urgent Global Action on Rights of Older Persons

 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified its global advocacy for the elderly, calling for the immediate adoption of a legally binding international instrument to protect the rights of older persons. Speaking at the ongoing 14th Session of the Open-ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWGA) at the United Nations Headquarters, Dr. Emem Omokaro, the Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), emphasized that the absence of a dedicated global framework has left millions of seniors vulnerable to systemic neglect and abuse. As Nigeria navigates a demographic shift with an increasing population of seniors, the government is positioning itself as a leader in the African continent’s push for "dignity in ageing."

​The Missing Link: Why a UN Convention is Necessary

​During her address, Dr. Omokaro highlighted a critical gap in international human rights law. While women, children, and persons with disabilities have specific UN conventions protecting their unique interests, older persons remain largely invisible within existing frameworks. Nigeria’s stance is that "fragmented" protection is no longer sufficient to combat the rising tide of ageism and elder abuse globally.

​The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) argues that a dedicated convention would provide legal accountability by forcing member states to implement domestic laws that criminalize elder abuse. Furthermore, it would establish universal standards for healthcare, social security, and housing specifically tailored for the elderly, effectively shifting the global narrative from seeing seniors as a "burden" to recognizing them as valuable contributors to societal development.

​Nigeria’s Domestic Milestone: The NSCC Impact

​While advocating on the global stage, the Nigerian government is also highlighting its internal progress. Since the establishment of the NSCC, Nigeria has made significant strides in institutionalizing care for its senior citizens. The government has moved beyond mere welfare handouts toward a rights-based approach that integrates seniors into the social fabric.

​Key achievements mentioned during the session include the development of the National Policy on Ageing and the strategic mapping of senior citizens across various geopolitical zones to ensure targeted intervention. Dr. Omokaro noted that Nigeria is currently piloting several integrated care models that provide both health services and social engagement, moving away from the traditional, often isolating, "old people's home" model in favor of community-based support.

​Addressing the Challenges of Ageing in the Global South

​The Nigerian delegation brought a unique perspective to the OEWGA, focusing on the specific challenges faced by older persons in the Global South. Issues such as the digital divide, lack of pension coverage for informal sector workers, and the impact of climate change on elderly farmers are at the forefront of the government's agenda.

​In Nigeria, the expansion of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) coverage for seniors is a priority, alongside the development of informal sector pension schemes to provide a guaranteed minimum income. These domestic efforts are being presented as a blueprint for other developing nations, showcasing how targeted policy can mitigate the risks of poverty and illness in old age.

​A Call for Global Solidarity

​Nigeria’s message to the United Nations was clear: the time for "endless debate" is over. The Nigerian government is urging the international community to move toward the drafting stage of a convention immediately. Dr. Omokaro warned that without a binding treaty, the rights of older persons will continue to be relegated to the background, particularly in times of global crisis such as pandemics or economic recessions.

​By championing this cause, Nigeria is not just looking out for its current 15 million seniors but is building a sustainable future for generations to come. The push for the Rights of Older Persons is, at its core, a push for human rights for everyone, as ageing is a universal experience that requires a universal shield of protection.

​The Road Ahead for the NSCC

​Back home, the NSCC continues to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to ensure that the elderly are prioritized in the government’s "Renewed Hope" agenda. This includes the push for more geriatric wards in teaching hospitals and the training of specialized caregivers to meet the rising demand for home-based care. As the 14th Session of the OEWGA concludes, Nigeria remains optimistic that its advocacy will catalyze the necessary international shift required to turn the "golden years" of its citizens into a period of genuine security and joy.