SENATE SIGNALS STRONGER SUPPORT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN 2026 BUDGET
There were encouraging signs for Nigeria’s senior citizens on Tuesday as the Senate Committee on Special Duties called for increased funding for key social protection agencies in the 2026 budget including the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC).
During the budget defence session, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, reviewed the 2024/2025 performance and 2026 proposals of the NSCC, alongside the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
Across the presentations, one message stood out clearly: social protection institutions need stronger financial backing to effectively serve Nigerians who rely on them.
In her submission, the Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre , Hon Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe highlighted critical gaps affecting elderly welfare across the country.
She noted that many older persons continue to face challenges accessing proper healthcare, nutrition support, and structured social protection services. The Director General stressed that these are not luxuries, but necessities that directly impact the dignity, wellbeing and quality of life of senior citizens.
The Centre appealed for dedicated allocations in the 2026 budget to strengthen elderly healthcare coverage, nutrition programmes, energy support and expanded welfare initiatives at both federal and state levels.
Responding, Senator Lawan acknowledged the importance of the agencies’ mandates and commended them for continuing to operate despite funding and structural challenges.
“We have noted your concerns and challenges. This committee will look into your problems and do the needful. We are committed to ensuring you receive the necessary support,” he assured.
The session reflects growing legislative attention to social protection in Nigeria and offers renewed hope that senior citizens’ welfare will receive greater priority in the coming fiscal year.
