The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the achievements of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) over the past three years despite operational challenges.
Hon. Abbas, while hosting the Director General of the NSCC, Dr. Emem Omokaro, and her team in his office, expressed concern over the poor funding of the Centre, noting that only ₦450 million was allocated to it in the 2024 budget. He assured that the House would collaborate with the NSCC to ensure increased funding in the 2025 appropriation bill.
The Speaker also pledged to work with the Centre to improve pension governance, healthcare delivery for senior citizens, and the development of age-friendly environments. He emphasized the importance of establishing NSCC offices in all six geopolitical zones of the country.
In her remarks, Dr Omokaro praised the National Assembly for passing the bill that led to the creation of the NSCC Act in 2017, marking a significant shift in the care and inclusion of older persons in Nigeria’s National Development Plan. She further highlighted the Centre’s need for increased funding and urged the legislature to enhance its capacity to implement programs for the ageing population.
Dr. Omokaro also advocated for the establishment of a regulatory framework for the geriatric social care sector, infrastructure development, and the training of 250 caregivers per state, noting the current lack of skilled and certified personnel in this sector.
Reporter: Edidiong Ibanga, ADBN News.
