The Renewed Hope for the Elderly has warned that Nigeria’s plan to expand pension and healthcare reforms for senior citizens will fall flat unless healthcare workers who treat them are properly supported.
At a world press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, the group linked the push for better elderly care to improved welfare, training and working conditions for doctors, nurses, geriatric specialists and community caregivers.
Dr. Bode Olanipekun, Director-General and National Coordinator, said the conversation must move beyond retirees to the professionals delivering their care.
“We are encouraged by ongoing conversations and policy directions aimed at improving pension administration and reforming retirement welfare to ensure that senior citizens enjoy greater financial security after years of dedicated service,” he said.
He argued that specialised services for older persons depend on a motivated workforce. “We welcome initiatives designed to strengthen healthcare services for older persons, including specialised geriatric care, preventive healthcare, wellness programmes and expanded access to age-friendly medical services,” he stated.
Olanipekun noted that modern elderly care centres and community-based support systems can only work if caregivers are trained, equipped and protected. He praised the Tinubu administration for strengthening the National Senior Citizens Centre.
“Through the strengthening of the National Senior Citizens Centre, the Federal Government has demonstrated a renewed commitment to creating policies and programmes that recognise the importance of ageing with dignity,” he said.
The group also backed First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s programmes on gardening and subsistence farming for retirees.
“Such initiatives not only provide additional income and food security but also promote physical activity, mental wellbeing and active ageing,” he said.
But Olanipekun warned that systemic neglect cuts both ways. “Unfortunately, for too long, many of these distinguished Nigerians have experienced neglect, inadequate social protection, poor healthcare, isolation and economic hardship after retirement. A nation that fails to honour its elderly gradually weakens its own moral foundation,” he said.
