How Abia State Government Plans to Transform Elderly Care with New Senior Citizens Policy Manual | READ DETAILS

The Abia State Government has taken a major step towards strengthening social protection for the elderly, unveiling a draft policy manual designed to drive the full implementation of the Senior Citizens Law recently signed in 2025.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this development while briefing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, following the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

According to Kanu, the policy document-developed by the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection-provides a detailed framework for implementing the provisions of the Senior Citizens Law No. 4 of 2025.

He explained that the manual became necessary due to widespread misconceptions and misleading interpretations surrounding the intent of the law.

"This policy document provides a detailed breakdown of the provisions of that law and the modalities for its implementation,ÔÇØ Kanu stated.

The Commissioner emphasized that the Senior Citizens Law is not a cash-transfer scheme, but rather a comprehensive framework aimed at improving the overall wellbeing of elderly citizens in Abia State.

He noted that the law is designed to guarantee security, independence, dignity, and self-fulfillment for senior citizens, while addressing their health, mental, and psychological needs.

Kanu revealed that the policy consolidates and formalizes several initiatives already being implemented by the government even before the law was enacted.

These include healthcare support, housing assistance for indigent and displaced elderly persons, food and nutritional programs, social insurance, and the annual celebration of the International Day of Older Persons.

Reaffirming government's commitment, Kanu stressed that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that vulnerable senior citizens are not left behind.

"The Abia State Government is fully committed to the effective and efficient implementation of the Senior Citizens' Law and corresponding policy initiatives,ÔÇØ he said.

He further highlighted the collaborative efforts of key government institutions, including the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Women Affairs, all working together to support elderly citizens across the state.

Providing further insights, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Ngozi Felix, revealed that Governor Otti has already approved a nine-member committee tasked with finalizing the policy manual.

She expressed optimism that the document would be ready for public review by April, signaling a major milestone in the law's implementation.

Mrs. Felix also disclosed plans to relocate the Office of Senior Citizens to a permanent facility and establish a governing board to oversee the implementation process.

Analysts believe that the policy manual marks a turning point in Abia's approach to elderly welfare, moving from fragmented interventions to a structured, law-driven system of care and protection.

With the final document expected soon, stakeholders say the initiative could set a new benchmark for social protection policies across Nigeria.

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