Members of the House of Representatives are pushing for major welfare reforms targeting older Nigerians: they have proposed a bill to provide free medical services, monthly stipends, and tax exemptions for senior citizens. The initiative, backed during a public hearing by the Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, would allow older persons to access government medical facilities without out-of-pocket costs and enjoy financial relief from personal income tax.
The proposal reflects growing concern in the legislature over how ageing Nigerians are often marginalized, especially when it comes to healthcare and economic security. Backers argue that existing legal protections — including the National Senior Citizens Centre Act (2018) — are insufficient and require a stronger statutory foundation to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of the elderly.
