Reps Advocate for Increased Funding to Empower Nigeria's Senior Citizens

Bashiru Dauda, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disabilities Matters, voiced an important concerns over the inadequate funding of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC).

This financial shortfall is reportedly hindering the NSCC's capacity to fulfill its mandate of supporting Nigeria's senior citizens effectively.

The event, organized collaboratively by the NSCC and the House Committee, aimed to celebrate the invaluable contributions of older persons to society.

Dauda highlighted that the lack of sufficient resources is obstructing the NSCC from carrying out its full responsibilities. He stated, "The development was hindering the agency from carrying out its whole responsibilities," emphasizing the urgent need for increased funding.

The gathering also served as a platform to discuss the Older Persons Bill, which has passed its first reading in the House.

This bill outlines critical issues such as discrimination against older persons, security of their income, old age benefits, and dementia-related challenges. Dr. Salmat-Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Health, underscored the various challenges faced by the elderly, particularly those related to disabilities.

She assured that President Tinubu remains committed to addressing these issues, urging the newly inaugurated NSCC goodwill ambassadors to fulfill their roles diligently.