Nigeria’s former Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), Emem Omokaro, believes that the country’s ageing population can be a driving force for economic growth rather than a burden. In an exclusive interview with BusinessDay, Omokaro emphasized that older individuals should be viewed as valuable assets in the nation’s development strategy, challenging the outdated perception of ageing solely as a social welfare issue. She stressed the need for a shift towards recognizing older citizens as contributors to economic productivity, citing successful models like the “silver economy” in advanced nations.
Omokaro highlighted the misconception that older individuals are detached from society, often leading to them being seen as welfare cases rather than as potential investments. She advocated for inclusive social development policies that address the diverse challenges faced by older people, emphasizing the need to engage retired individuals for their expertise and skills. By implementing structured programs that create opportunities for older persons to contribute meaningfully, such as the initiatives by the National Senior Citizens Center, Nigeria can experience an economic boost rather than a drain on resources.
Investing in the care economy was identified as a significant opportunity for Nigeria’s economic growth. Omokaro referenced the International Labour Organization (ILO) findings, indicating that a 1% GDP investment in the care sector can yield substantial returns, surpassing sectors like construction. The absence of a structured and certified care industry in Nigeria presents a gap that, if addressed through initiatives like the National Senior Citizens Center Act, could lead to job creation, empowerment of women, and improved quality of life for older persons.
The integration of gerontology into Nigeria’s higher education system was underscored as vital for building human capacity in the field of ageing. Omokaro’s efforts in developing national benchmarks and standards for gerontology programs in universities aimed to equip professionals from various disciplines with the necessary knowledge to implement ageing policies effectively. By expanding educational opportunities in gerontology and related fields, Nigeria can foster a workforce capable of addressing the diverse needs of its ageing population.
Emphasizing the importance of formalizing caregiving as a professional career path, Omokaro outlined the establishment of the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) for caregiving in partnership with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). This framework aimed to professionalize caregiving, provide quality assurance through accreditation of training providers, and offer certification to caregivers. By elevating caregiving to a recognized industry within the care economy, Nigeria can create employment opportunities and protect the rights of caregivers, particularly women and girls who have long been in this sector.
Omokaro’s personal journey into gerontology, inspired by encounters with neglected older individuals in rural Nigeria, exemplifies the transformative impact of addressing ageing issues. Her commitment to advocating for ageing as a core national policy and investment area reflects a deep-rooted mission to change perceptions and drive economic growth through the recognition of the elderly as valuable contributors. If given the opportunity to engage with Nigeria’s leadership, Omokaro would advocate for establishing policies and systems that recognize the care sector as an economic industry, emphasizing the potential for job creation and economic development within the care economy.
Key Takeaways:
1. Nigeria’s ageing population can be a significant economic asset if properly engaged and integrated into the nation’s development strategy.
2. Investing in the care economy, professionalizing caregiving, and integrating gerontology into education are crucial steps towards unlocking the economic potential of the ageing demographic.
3. Policies that shift the perception of ageing from a welfare issue to an economic sector can lead to job creation, empowerment of women, and improved quality of life for older persons.
4. Emem Omokaro’s personal journey highlights the transformative impact of addressing ageing issues and advocating for the elderly as valuable contributors to economic growth.
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