To help Nigerians live longer lives, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for a fundamental rethink of the country’s social, healthcare and protection systems, warning that many older persons continue to face poverty, neglect, abuse, discrimination and exclusion.

The NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, made the call yesterday in Abuja at a media briefing to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Older Persons, with the theme, “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”

He said Nigeria should not treat longevity as a burden but rather as an opportunity requiring governments and society to redesign institutions and policies to support people throughout their lives.

He further expressed concern that many older Nigerians still struggle with inadequate income, poverty, age discrimination, abandonment, limited access to healthcare, social isolation, weak social protection and delayed or inadequate pension benefits, among other ills.

Similarly, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) said that older persons among Nigeria’s displaced population face unique protection challenges that require age-sensitive humanitarian responses.

Moreover, the Dave Omokaro Foundation called for a renewed commitment to rights-based ageing, urging the government and relevant stakeholders to strengthen laws, institutions, and social protection systems to safeguard the dignity, independence, and participation of older persons in Nigeria.

According to Ojukwu, older persons remain valuable contributors to families, communities and national development as professionals, entrepreneurs, farmers, community leaders, caregivers, mentors and custodians of culture and traditions.

Therefore, the question should be “how to ensure that those additional years are lived in good health, dignity, security, meaningful participation and equality,” Ojukwu said.