In Nigeria, social safety nets for citizens are often overlooked in governance. However, when a system is established that prioritizes those who are at the end of their life journey, it reflects thoughtful policy and acknowledges the importance of aging in public administration.
Recently reported in early February, Governor Alex Otti has actively championed a specialized care initiative for the elderly aged 60 and above in Abia State, a measure that is indeed commendable.
This initiative is encapsulated in the Abia State Senior Citizens Bill, which was introduced in 2025, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens in recognition of their past contributions to the state. This commendable governance act, which has already been signed into law, shows promise for addressing the social challenges faced by the elderly, particularly those stemming from poverty and neglect.
In an effort to support this demographic, the state has set up the Abia Senior Citizens Centre, which will serve to compile a database for this vulnerable group. As detailed by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, “Aging comes with health challenges, social isolation, and economic vulnerability. Law 4 of 2025 is not merely political symbolism; it is a social protection policy that aims to restore dignity, care, and relevance to our elderly citizens.” He emphasized that this program is a planned social welfare and support system designed for care and coordination rather than direct cash disbursements.
Despite these efforts, numerous elderly individuals in rural areas continue to suffer from dire needs, a situation exacerbated by various health issues such as arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension.
Governance fundamentally should be characterized by empathy and care for citizens as laid out in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which prioritizes the security and welfare of the populace. If all state governments were to assume responsibility for the healthcare of their senior citizens, as exemplified by Abia State, it would alleviate significant social burdens often faced by this age group.
Despite the generosity of state pensions awarded to former governors, highlighted by luxurious benefits such as mansions and vehicles alongside generous health benefits, Governor Otti has taken a different course. He recently repealed laws that entitled ex-governors to such perks and resolved to address the pension and gratuity arrears for retired state employees accumulated since 2014. By April 2024, he had completed payments to 12,500 retirees and, by May 2025, had allocated ₦30 billion toward clearing accrued salary arrears of government workers from the ₦50 billion debt he inherited.
The issue of caring for senior citizens and establishing robust safety nets is central to effective governance, exemplified in developed nations like the United States, where a vast majority of adults receive social security benefits. According to Adrians Reye from the Cornell University School of Social Policy, there is strong support for the government’s responsibility to provide care for older adults with special needs.
Yet, in Nigeria, challenges persist, especially regarding the equitable distribution of income support and social safety nets, as highlighted by a World Bank report which revealed that only 44% of the assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries. Following this subpar performance, the Federal Government paused its digital cash transfer scheme benefiting millions due to concerns of fraud and inefficiency.
Furthermore, members of former administrations have been scrutinized for financial misconduct related to social welfare programs, with significant amounts recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The ongoing efforts to rectify past mistakes underscore the imperative to implement more deliberate social policies that can tangibly improve the lives of people during these challenging economic times.
As part of his administration’s vision for caring for the elderly, Governor Otti should persist in realizing this healthcare initiative, which may serve as a model for effective governance in other states throughout Nigeria.
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