Progress for Our Elders: The Older Persons Bill Moves Forward

On 20 May 2025, the Nigerian House of Representatives passed the second reading of the Older Persons Rights and Welfare Bill, 2025. It's a big step—and a welcome one.

This bill is about giving older Nigerians the respect, access, and protection they've long deserved. From health and housing to social rights and day-to-day fairness, the bill puts older people at the centre of national policy.

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Where It All Started

The bill was introduced on 6 March 2025, co-sponsored by Hon. Sir Tochukwu Okere and Hon. Olubodun Festus Olugbenga. It's not the first time Nigeria has tried to prioritise older citizens—the National Senior Citizens Act of 2018 established the National Senior Citizens Centre—but this bill goes further.

It aims to make the rights of older persons enforceable by law.

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What’s in the Bill?

If passed, the bill would:

• Ban discrimination based on age.

• Build senior citizens’ rights into national policy.

• Guarantee better access to infrastructure—public buildings, transport, and services.

• Provide housing and rebates.

• Prioritise older persons in queues and emergencies.

It’s practical. It’s clear. And it responds to issues Nigeria’s older population faces daily.

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Why It Matters

Nigeria’s ageing population is growing. But services and protections haven’t kept up. This bill starts to fix that.

It also aligns with African Union standards like the Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons. Nigeria signed it. Now this bill helps make those commitments real.

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What’s Next?

With the second reading cleared, the bill now heads to the committee stage. If it passes third reading, it’ll move to the Senate. After that, presidential assent is needed to become law.

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Credit Where It's Due

This progress didn’t happen on its own. Credit goes to Hon. Sir Tochukwu Okere, Senator Eze Ajoku, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, and every lawmaker who backed the bill.

They’ve done more than debate. They’ve shown what responsive lawmaking looks like.

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Final Thoughts

This isn’t just a bill—it’s a clear message: older Nigerians matter.

If passed, it will offer real improvements in how older people live, move, and are treated across the country.

Let’s keep this momentum going. They’ve earned it.

#OlderPersonsBill

#RightsForSeniors

#SupportOurElders

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#NigerianElders

#ProtectSeniorsNG

#EOONCare

#ElderRightsNG

#10thAssembly

#SocialJusticeForSeniors

#InclusiveNigeria

#LegislateCare

#BetterAgingNG