Ensuring universal access to social Security is crucial for reducing Poverty and promoting socio-economic development within a nation. Social Welfare encompasses a range of benefits and protections the state provides its citizens aimed at mitigating various civic and economic risks such as illness, unemployment, old age, and disability. Built on principles of shared justice, it aims to provide equal opportunities for all individuals, particularly the older and underprivileged. The importance of older public assistance cannot be overstated. In communities with strong welfare systems, it serves as a means to alleviate poverty, improve living standards, and promote overall socio-economic progress.
However, in many developing countries like Nigeria, the absence of adequate public assistance measures is closely linked to pervasive poverty. Though commendable, government initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation often fall short of establishing comprehensive civic welfare systems. While various programs have been introduced over the years, their impact has been limited, and many still need a legal framework for sustainability. For instance, poverty alleviation efforts have been overshadowed by persistently high levels of poverty and unemployment. To address these challenges, it is essential to establish legislative frameworks that institutionalise public entitlement as a fundamental right for all citizens.
Adequate social welfare will provide access to healthcare for seniors.
This would ensure that social security programs are not just temporary measures but long-term commitments backed by law. Collaboration between the national, state, and local governments is crucial for effective implementation. Also, it should extend beyond formal employment to encompass all segments of society, including the self-employed, the disabled, and those in the informal sector. Guaranteeing access to essential healthcare and income security can provide a safety net for all individuals in times of need.
To achieve this, Nigeria must ratify and implement key international conventions on public entitlement and allocate sufficient resources to establish non-contributory tax-financed schemes. Embracing the principles of societal and economic rights, as upheld by the Ghanaian and Indian courts, can further strengthen the commitment to societal security. Furthermore, in Nigeria, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). provide the societal security system for seniors. One of its key benefits is the Pension scheme. The pension scheme is a contributory system that ensures workers save towards Retirement by making regular contributions to a pension fund.
FG will improve pension schemes to ensure seniors receive adequate support.
Upon retirement, older people are entitled to a monthly pension income to help them meet their financial needs. The pension scheme in Nigeria is regulated by PenCom, which ensures that retirees receive their pensions as they are due. The fund also provides retirement entitlement coverage to workers in the formal sector, including pensions, work injury benefits, and funeral grants. The fund also provides healthcare benefits to retirees and their dependents, ensuring they can access quality healthcare services when needed.
Older people in Nigeria have access to various social security programs, such as the Senior Citizens Welfare Fund, in addition to the pension scheme and NSITF benefits. These programs provide financial assistance, healthcare coverage, and support services to help older citizens meet their living expenses and improve their well-being. However, challenges such as low coverage of the pension scheme for informal sector workers and inadequate pension benefits need to be addressed to ensure that seniors receive adequate support. Efforts should be made to expand coverage, increase benefits, and improve the efficiency and transparency of the social security system better to meet the needs of older citizens in Nigeria.
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Lastly, prioritising the implementation of civic security as a fundamental right is essential for Nigeria’s socio-economic development and the well-being of its citizens. Delaying this imperative action would only prolong the country’s struggles with poverty and inequality. Also, Its benefits are crucial for elders as they provide financial support and security in old age. The pension scheme and other civic welfare programs ensure seniors can access income, healthcare, and shared services. While challenges need to be addressed, efforts should be made to strengthen the interpersonal service system for elders, ensuring they can live dignified and secure lives in their later years.