Abia govt releases draft policy to clarify, implement Senior Citizens Law

In response to widespread public misconceptions surrounding the recently assented Abia State Senior Citizens Law No. 4 of 2025, the Abia State Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection has prepared a comprehensive draft policy document to guide its effective implementation.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists at Government House, Umuahia, following the week’s State Executive Council meeting.

Prince Kanu explained that the policy document provides a clear and detailed breakdown of the law’s provisions and the practical modalities for its execution.

“This clarification has become necessary due to various misleading interpretations of the Senior Citizens Law circulating among the public,” he said.

“While we appreciate the keen interest shown by citizens in this legislation, it is evident that some people are yet to fully understand its purpose and scope. That is why this policy manual is being developed,” the commissioner added.

He emphasised that the Senior Citizens Law is designed to ensure the participation, security, independence, comprehensive care, self-fulfilment, and dignity of elderly persons in Abia State. The law addresses their health, mental, and psychological well-being.

Prince Kanu clarified: “This law is not about direct cash payments or handouts to our elderly citizens. Rather, it formally consolidates and expands existing support mechanisms. These include the celebration of International Day of Older Persons, provision of housing support for the aged, indigent, and displaced elderly, health assistance for vulnerable older persons, financial support, social insurance, food and nutritional aid, and other targeted interventions to meet their specific needs.”

He reaffirmed the state government’s full commitment to the effective and efficient implementation of the law and its accompanying policy initiatives to guarantee social protection for vulnerable elderly persons across Abia.

The commissioner noted that even prior to the law’s enactment, several government agencies – including the Office of the First Lady, the Ministries of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Health, Women Affairs, and other MDAs – had been collaborating to deliver various forms of care and support to senior citizens.

Responding to questions, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Ngozi Felix, revealed that Governor Alex Otti had approved the constitution of a nine-member committee tasked with finalising the policy draft. She expressed optimism that the document would be ready for public review by April.

Mrs Felix further disclosed that the current temporary office of the Senior Citizens unit would be relocated to a permanent site. In addition, the state government will soon constitute a dedicated board to oversee the implementation of the Senior Citizens Law.

“The Senior Citizens office is currently operating from a temporary location. However, plans are in place to provide a more permanent and suitable space now that the law has been signed into effect,” she stated.