Millions of elderly Nigerians may face poverty without urgent action
A professor at Lagos State University, Olanrewaju Ajiboye, has warned that millions of elderly Nigerians are at risk of poverty and inadequate support in the coming decades. He highlighted the rapid growth of Nigeria’s ageing population and the lack of institutional structures to support them. Ajiboye pointed to widespread poverty, weak social security, and the breakdown of traditional family systems as key issues. He called for urgent government intervention and stronger community support to improve the lives of older citizens.
What we know
- Olanrewaju Ajiboye stated that about 25 million elderly Nigerians could face poverty and lack of support by 2050.
- He noted that Nigeria currently has over 14.8 million people aged 60 and above, with this number expected to rise sharply.
- Ajiboye cited World Bank findings that over 139 million Nigerians currently live in poverty, with older persons among the most affected.
- He attributed the vulnerability of elderly Nigerians to soaring inflation, weak economic growth, and the collapse of family-based support systems.
- Ajiboye urged the government, families, and communities to implement comprehensive social protection policies and improve support systems for the elderly.
