ABUJA – In a recent meeting with the leadership of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Right Honourable Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., expressed strong support for the agency’s vital mandate.
The Speaker’s assurance came during a courtesy visit to his office at the National Assembly on Tuesday, where he emphasized the need to enhance the agency’s annual budget, currently set at N250 million.
“I am deeply concerned that such an important agency operates with such a limited budget,” Speaker Abbas stated.
“It is indeed depressing to learn that you have been working with just N250 million to fulfill a national mandate that impacts so many lives.”
Acknowledging the NSCC’s mission, he highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the agency’s existence and its goals, which many lawmakers may not be familiar with. He assured the NSCC leadership that the House would collaborate with the Committee on Disability Matters, chaired by Hon. Bashiru Dawodu, to establish at least one operational office in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The Speaker further called on the committee chairman to work closely with the NSCC to draft a bill aimed at providing concessions for senior citizens in critical areas such as healthcare and transportation.
“We are committed partners in this endeavor,” he affirmed. “I assure you that we will engage with the chairman and the Appropriations Committee to explore ways to improve your budget for 2025.”
While recognizing the challenges posed by limited federal revenue, Speaker Abbas emphasized the necessity of prioritizing agencies like the NSCC, which serve essential functions in society.
“Appropriating more funds to these agencies is critical,” he noted, “and your agency deserves special attention.”
The Speaker further expressed concerns regarding Nigeria’s pension scheme, stating, “It is disheartening to think that a civil servant who has dedicated 35 years of service would retire only to receive a meager pension of 10,000, 15,000, 20,000, or 30,000 Naira per month. This system is not working for our retirees.”
He reiterated his commitment to collaborating with the NSCC to reform the pension system, highlighting the urgent need for improvements to support the elderly. “Together, we can make significant strides in this area,” he remarked.
The meeting concluded with the NSCC’s Director-General, Dr. Emem Omokaro, sharing insights about the agency’s operations and the challenges it faces due to insufficient funding.
She urged the Speaker to advocate for enhanced budgetary provisions and the establishment of offices nationwide to effectively serve the growing population of senior citizens.
