The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, has pledged renewed federal commitment to improving the welfare of older Nigerians, promising concrete action on healthcare access, caregiver training, and legislative support for senior citizens’ rights. Dr. Doro made the assurances on Thursday during a courtesy visit by members of the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN), led by Senator Dr. Eze D. Ajoku, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. Responding to concerns raised by the delegation, the Minister assured members that every request and recommendation presented would be carefully reviewed and acted upon in collaboration with the National Senior Citizens Centre. “We will take time to carefully look into every request that has been presented to us today and work closely with the National Senior Citizens Centre to ensure that areas requiring intervention receive the necessary attention,” Dr. Doro stated. International Engagements, Caregiver Training on the Horizon The Minister revealed that discussions with international partners on strengthening elderly care systems were already under way. During a recent visit to New York, he disclosed, advanced engagements were held on building local capacity in elderly care — particularly in specialised areas such as dementia support and other age-related conditions requiring dedicated attention. Proposals are currently being considered to enhance training for caregivers responsible for supporting vulnerable older persons across the country. Rights Bill Gets Ministerial Backing: On the Rights and Privileges of Older Persons Bill currently before the National Assembly, Dr. Doro pledged the Ministry’s full support and committed to pursuing its passage through appropriate channels — a development the COSROPIN delegation described as encouraging. Healthcare Access for Retirees in Focus: Acknowledging the urgent need for health insurance coverage among retirees and older persons in the informal sector, the Minister promised to engage the Federal Ministry of Health to explore options for extending healthcare support beyond the current reach of formal sector protections. He also welcomed the National Policy on Ageing presented by the coalition, assuring members that it would be studied carefully to identify areas for meaningful collaboration. “We will all age at some point. Whatever policies we put in place today to support older persons are ultimately preparing the way for ourselves and future generations,” the Minister said. Technical Team to Deepen Collaboration: Dr. Doro further announced plans to establish a technical team to facilitate structured collaboration between the Ministry, the National Senior Citizens Centre, and relevant stakeholders — signalling an intent to move beyond dialogue and into institutional action. Permanent Secretary Commends Coalition’s Advocacy: In his welcome remarks, Permanent Secretary Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya commended COSROPIN’s sustained advocacy on behalf of senior citizens and noted that despite a demanding schedule involving official engagements across several states, the Minister had prioritised the meeting as a demonstration of the Ministry’s commitment to inclusive governance. COSROPIN: Over 170 Organisations, One Voice: Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Senator Dr. Eze D. Ajoku congratulated Dr. Doro on his appointment and described it as timely and well deserved. He introduced COSROPIN as the umbrella body for more than 170 civil society, faith-based, community, retiree, and institutional organisations working to advance the rights of older persons in Nigeria. Senator Ajoku highlighted the coalition’s role in the establishment of the National Senior Citizens Centre and the development of the National Policy on Ageing, while urging the Ministry to champion expanded social protection coverage and healthcare access for older Nigerians. The meeting closed with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepening collaboration in service of the dignity, welfare, and quality of life of Nigeria’s senior citizens.