The [Abia State Government](https://abia.gov.ng) announced on Thursday in Umuahia that it will combat abuse and neglect of persons aged 60 and above, unveiling a draft framework to operationalise the newly signed Abia State Senior Citizens Centre Law No 4 of 2025.
Key points include:
- The law, signed by Governor [Alex Otti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Otti), creates a legal basis for coordinated support to older residents.
- The Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection is tasked with drafting the accompanying policy.
- Stakeholders from both formal and informal sectors have been consulted to shape the final document.
- The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abia, led by Chairman Okoro Ogbonna, welcomed the legislation and called for its swift implementation.
**What does the new law entail?**
The Senior Citizens Centre Law, 2025 (Law No 4 of 2025), mandates the establishment of a dedicated centre to address the welfare, health, and social needs of senior citizens. It also obliges state agencies to provide legal protection against abuse, abandonment, and ridicule.
**Who is leading the implementation?**
Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, presented the draft policy at the workshop, stating, "It is wrong to abandon elderly people to suffer or subject them to ridicule." She emphasized that the ministry has conducted extensive consultations with critical stakeholders to ensure the policy serves all older persons in the state.
**What role will the Ministry of Justice play?**
Represented by Uwaoma Ajike, the Abia State Ministry of Justice pledged to supply the necessary legal backing to enforce the protections outlined in the law, ensuring that senior citizens receive the dignity and security guaranteed by the legislation.
**How does the labour movement view the initiative?**
Okoro Ogbonna, Chairman of the NLC in Abia, thanked the government for enacting the senior citizens’ law, asserting that retired and retiring workers deserve assurance and protection from society.
The workshop concluded with a commitment to translate the signed law into actionable policy measures that will be rolled out across Abia State in the coming months.