Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the founder of NGO, Dr.
Emem Okokaro, revealed that the population of Nigerians
above the age of 60 years is ex-pected to hit 30 million by
the year 2050, with a global figure projected at two billion
for the same year.
She regretted what he called the absence of clear cut health
and welfare policies for the nation’s aged population,
adding that only four percent of this category of Ni¬gerians
is covered by the existing pension scheme, owing to the
informal nature of the economic system.
Okokaro explained that more than 90 percent of the aged
are in the rural areas and they usually sink into abject
poverty and want immediately they lose the strength to earn
a living.
She, however, called on government and other stakeholders
to develop political, economic and social reforms needed to
adapt to an ageing world.
She canvassed dignity, and security for the aged and
opportunities for them to enjoy access to essential social
and healthcare facilities and minimum income through the
implementation of national so¬cial protection floors.
Dr. Omokaro disclosed that the Foundation, in collaboration
with a coalition of civil society organisations, was already
working on a Bill for the ageing population and that the Bill
would be sent to the National Assembly any time soon.
Emem Okokaro, revealed that the population of Nigerians
above the age of 60 years is ex-pected to hit 30 million by
the year 2050, with a global figure projected at two billion
for the same year.
She regretted what he called the absence of clear cut health
and welfare policies for the nation’s aged population,
adding that only four percent of this category of Ni¬gerians
is covered by the existing pension scheme, owing to the
informal nature of the economic system.
Okokaro explained that more than 90 percent of the aged
are in the rural areas and they usually sink into abject
poverty and want immediately they lose the strength to earn
a living.
She, however, called on government and other stakeholders
to develop political, economic and social reforms needed to
adapt to an ageing world.
opportunities for them to enjoy access to essential social
and healthcare facilities and minimum income through the
implementation of national so¬cial protection floors.
Dr. Omokaro disclosed that the Foundation, in collaboration
with a coalition of civil society organisations, was already
working on a Bill for the ageing population and that the Bill
would be sent to the National Assembly any time soon.
