The Abia State Government has produced a draft policy manual to guide the implementation of the Senior Citizens Law No. 4 of 2025, aimed at ensuring comprehensive welfare and protection for elderly citizens in the state.
The Abia State Government (ABSG) announced the production of the draft policy manual for the implementation of the Senior Citizens Law signed into law in 2025.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this at Government House, Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
According to him, the policy draft was developed by the State Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection to complement the implementation of the Senior Citizens Law.
He explained that the document provides a comprehensive breakdown of the provisions of the law and outlines clear modalities for its execution, noting that it became necessary to address widespread misconceptions among the public.
Prince Kanu emphasized that the law is not designed for direct cash payments to elderly persons, but rather to establish a structured framework for their welfare, protection, and dignity.
He listed key components of the policy to include the celebration of the International Day of Older Persons, housing support for the aged, especially the indigent and displaced, healthcare services for vulnerable senior citizens, financial assistance and social insurance, as well as food and nutritional support tailored to their needs.
“The law is intended to provide a pathway for participation, security, independence, self-fulfillment, and dignity for senior citizens, while addressing their health, mental, and psychological needs,” he stated.
The Commissioner assured that the state government remains committed to the effective implementation of the law and related policy initiatives to guarantee social protection for elderly citizens across Abia State.
He further noted that even before the enactment of the law, the Office of the First Lady, alongside the Ministries of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Health, Women Affairs, and other relevant MDAs, had been actively collaborating on initiatives to support senior citizens.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, revealed that Governor Alex Otti had approved a nine-member committee to develop the policy draft, expressing optimism that the document would be ready for public review by April.
She added that plans were underway to relocate the Senior Citizens’ Office from its temporary site to a permanent location, as well as to constitute a governing board to oversee the full implementation of the law.
Mrs. Felix reiterated that these steps are crucial to institutionalizing the framework required to effectively cater to the needs of senior citizens in the state.
