Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has expressed his commitment to supporting the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) during a recent meeting in Abuja with the agency’s leadership. Highlighting the inadequacy of the current annual budget of N250 million for an agency tasked with a crucial national mandate, Abbas acknowledged the pressing need for increased funds. His remarks reveal a heightened awareness of the agency’s work and a desire to address the disparities affecting senior citizens in Nigeria.
During the meeting, the Speaker portrayed a sense of urgency regarding the NSCC’s operational budget, which he deemed insufficient for fulfilling its responsibilities effectively. He mentioned feeling “deeply depressed” at the limited resources available to such an important body, which plays a vital role in the welfare of senior citizens, a demographic often overlooked in policy discussions. Abbas emphasized the importance of raising the agency’s budget to better address the needs of Nigeria’s aging population.
To facilitate this improvement, Abbas pledged to collaborate with the Committee on Disability Matters headed by Bashiru Dawodu. This partnership aims to ensure that the NSCC establishes at least one operational office in each of the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Such an expansion would enhance the agency’s capacity to serve elderly citizens across the nation more effectively. Additionally, the Speaker called for the development of a legislative proposal, or bill, that would provide essential concessions in areas such as healthcare and transportation for senior citizens, thereby improving their quality of life.
In discussing budgetary allocation challenges, Abbas recognized the broader economic context, noting that the Federal Government faces significant pressures concerning revenue generation. He acknowledged that increasing appropriations to various agencies is a complex issue, highlighting the financial constraints that limit the government’s ability to allocate more funds. However, Abbas insisted that the NSCC deserves special attention in budgetary considerations, asserting his commitment to advocate for improved funding for the agency in the upcoming 2025 budget discussions.
Abbas also addressed critical concerns surrounding Nigeria’s pension scheme, emphasizing the need for reform to support retirees adequately. He expressed dismay at the low pension amounts that some civil servants receive after decades of service, underscoring it as both “depressing” and “disappointing.” He expressed a determination to work alongside the NSCC to enhance the pension system, suggesting that collaborative legislative efforts could yield substantial improvements for the financial security of the elderly.
In her remarks during the visit, Dr. Emem Omokaro, the Director-General of the NSCC, informed the Speaker about the agency’s operations and the challenges it faces, particularly concerning financial constraints. She appealed for greater budgetary support to facilitate the agency’s work effectively. The meeting thus concluded with a mutual understanding of the challenges at hand and a shared commitment to better the lives of senior citizens in Nigeria through legislative support and improved funding for essential services.
