U.N Tasks Buhari On Paying Pensions To Older Persons

Dr Claudia Mahler, the UN Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of all Human Rights of older persons has called on the Federal Government to step up efforts in the payment of pension to older persons.

Mahler made the call on Friday in Abuja at a news conference on her 12-day experiences in Nigeria to access issues concerning older persons.

“In my 12 days in Nigeria, I have been to Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan and Makurdi where I met with different stakeholders, civil servants, agencies, CSOs and older persons themselves.

“My visit was to access the level of enjoyment of human rights of older persons. From estimation, in 2050, there might be 25.3 million older persons in Nigeria.

“You can see there is a huge demography change, that is why I came to Nigeria to raise awareness, because the demography change is a global issue.

“Social protection and pension is an issue. I was informed that many older persons wait for long time, sometimes for years to get their pension allowances.

“That is why I also urge the Federal Government to step up its efforts to ensure the establishment of a strong, inclusive and steady protection system, including payment of pension allowances to all older persons who are entitled,” Mahler said.

She said other issues that she observed were ageism which had to do with widespread of negative stereotype against older persons and healthcare for older persons.

According to her, most people in Nigeria see older persons as beneficiaries who should be taken care of.