Federal government has promised to continue to provide partnerships that will accelerate investments in older persons in the country.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Hajiya Sadiya Umar-Farouq gave the assurance on Monday, at a meeting in Abuja with a United Nations Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of All Human Rights of Older Persons, Ms Claudia Mahler.
The Minister explained that a lot of policies have already been established by the federal government to reduce discrimination against Older Persons and encourage inclusion.
“The Federal Government is making concerted efforts to direct the domestication and establishment of Senior Citizens Centres at the sub-national levels, in collaboration with the States and Local Governments. A Bill on the Rights and Privileges of Older Persons in the country has been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and is awaiting assent into Law by Mr. President.
” I wish to assure you that in the next five years, with the multi-sectoral partnerships and synergies created across Federal, States and Local governments, Nigeria commits to continuing to provide a strong passionate and committed leadership to accelerate investments in its older population”, the Minster said.
Ms Claudia Mahler stated that her visit to Nigeria is to have an overview of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts at addressing the rights of older persons.
She added that her team will also hold cluster meetings on thematic subjects including policy and legal frameworks as well as strategic plans on Ageing.
“We desire to assess Nigeria’s mechanisms and processes in strengthening the protection of the rights of older persons to identify best practices in Nigeria that can be promoted or possible gaps in the implementation of national, regional and international standards that may be relevant to the rights of older persons”.
In the meeting was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Nasir Sani -Gwarzo, the Heads of various agencies under the Ministry, Directors of the Ministry and other stakeholders.
RN
