FG Reaffirms Commitment to Welfare of Older Persons, Stronger Social Protection, as COSROPIN visits Hon. Doro
Oru Leonard
ABUJA — The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of older persons through enhanced social protection programmes, better healthcare access, caregiver training, and stronger collaboration with stakeholders working to advance the rights and wellbeing of senior citizens.
The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN), led by Senator Dr. Eze D. Ajoku, during a courtesy visit to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Doro said the government would carefully review the requests and recommendations presented by the coalition and work closely with the National Senior Citizens Centre to address areas requiring intervention.
“We will take time to carefully look into every request that has been presented to us today and work closely with the National Senior Citizens Centre to ensure that areas requiring intervention receive the necessary attention,” the minister said.
He disclosed that discussions had already begun with international partners to strengthen systems for the care of older persons. According to him, recent engagements in New York focused on building local capacity in elderly care, particularly in specialised areas requiring professional support.
The minister also revealed that proposals were being considered to improve the training of caregivers responsible for supporting older persons, including those living with dementia and other age-related conditions.
On the proposed Rights and Privileges of Older Persons Bill currently before the National Assembly, Dr. Doro pledged the ministry’s support and assured the delegation that efforts would be made to facilitate progress on the legislation through appropriate channels.
Addressing concerns over healthcare access, he acknowledged the importance of health insurance for retirees and vulnerable senior citizens and promised to engage the Federal Ministry of Health on options for expanding healthcare coverage to retired civil servants and older persons in the informal sector.
The minister further welcomed the National Policy on Ageing presented by COSROPIN, assuring the coalition that the document would be thoroughly reviewed to identify opportunities for collaboration aimed at improving the quality of life of older Nigerians.
He stressed that investments in policies protecting older persons were investments in the future of the nation.
“We will all age at some point. Whatever policies we put in place today to support older persons are ultimately preparing the way for ourselves and future generations,” he stated.
Dr. Doro also pledged support for advocacy initiatives, training programmes, and institutional reforms designed to strengthen elderly care across the country. He announced plans to establish a technical team to facilitate collaboration between the ministry, the National Senior Citizens Centre, and other relevant stakeholders.
The minister reiterated the ministry’s commitment to reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s social protection framework, reducing poverty, and empowering vulnerable groups.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, commended COSROPIN for its advocacy efforts and assured the delegation of the ministry’s commitment to promoting the welfare, dignity, and inclusion of senior citizens in line with the Federal Government’s humanitarian agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Senator Ajoku congratulated Dr. Doro on his appointment and described it as timely and well deserved. He noted that COSROPIN represents more than 170 civil society organisations, faith-based groups, community-based organisations, retirees’ associations, and institutions dedicated to advancing the rights and welfare of older persons in Nigeria.
Ajoku highlighted the coalition’s role in the establishment of the National Senior Citizens Centre and the development of the National Policy on Ageing. He appealed for government support for the passage and implementation of the Rights and Privileges of Older Persons Bill and called for improved healthcare access, expanded health insurance coverage, stronger social protection systems, and greater support for senior citizens nationwide.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing commitment to deeper collaboration aimed at improving the welfare, dignity, and quality of life of older persons across Nigeria.
Cover Photo Caption, L- R: The leader of the COSROPIN delegation, Sen. Dr.Eze D. Ajoku and the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. Dr. Bernard M.Doro during the visit on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
