In the dusty streets of Potiskum, Yobe State,where 78-year-old Baba Umar used to sits on a worn-out mat outside his crumbling mud house. His wrinkled hands tremble as he recounts his story a tale of loneliness, neglect, and survival in a world that seems to have forgotten him. He said to thesightnews Correspondent
Once a respected farmer who provided for his family, Baba Umar now depends on the kindness of strangers for his daily meal. His children, who once played in his courtyard, are long gone, pursuing better lives in distant cities, leaving him to navigate the harsh realities of old age alone.
Baba Umar’s story is not unique. Across Nigeria, countless elderly citizens face similar struggles. With the breakdown of extended family structures and the growing economic hardship, many older Nigerians are left abandoned, forced to fend for themselves in a society that once revered them. In the North East, where the scars of insurgency run deep, elderly people bear the brunt of displacement, inadequate healthcare, and extreme poverty.
Take Mama Hadiza from Borno State, for example. At 82, she is partially blind and lives in a makeshift shelter in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp. Once a trader at the bustling Maiduguri Monday Market, she lost everything to the insurgency. Her surviving son left for Lagos in search of opportunities, promising to send money, but the remittances became less frequent until they stopped altogether. Now, she begs for food, relying on the generosity of fellow displaced persons who have little to give.
After years of struggling in Borno, Baba Umar made the difficult decision to leave his home and move to a small village called Iddon Kasa, on the outskirts of Abuja. There, in a tiny mud house provided by a kind-hearted resident, he now lives in solitude. When TheSightNews Correspondent visited him, he spoke of his yearning for his children and his frustration with a system that provides little support for people like him. “I did everything for my children, but now, I am alone. They don’t visit, they don’t call,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “Old age should not be a punishment.”
The Nigerian society, once known for its strong communal values, is witnessing a painful transformation. Economic challenges, urban migration, and a declining sense of collective responsibility have left many elderly citizens in despair. Traditionally, elders were revered, their wisdom sought, and their needs provided for by their children and community. But today, many are reduced to struggling alone, some even resorting to street begging to survive.
One of the biggest challenges facing the elderly in Nigeria is access to healthcare. Most government hospitals lack specialized geriatric care, and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) provides little coverage for the aging population. Without pensions or social security, many older Nigerians cannot afford medical treatment, leading to preventable illnesses and unnecessary deaths. In rural areas, where medical facilities are scarce, the situation is even worse.
Another issue is housing. Many elderly people live in dilapidated structures, without access to clean water, electricity, or basic sanitation. Some, like Baba Umar, sleep in open spaces, exposed to harsh weather conditions and at risk of being attacked or robbed. For those who do have homes, loneliness becomes another silent killer, as isolation often leads to depression and mental health challenges.
Despite these grim realities, there is hope. Organizations such as the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are advocating for better policies to protect the elderly. Some state governments have also introduced welfare programs, albeit insufficient, to provide some relief. However, these efforts need to be expanded, properly funded, and effectively implemented.
It is time for Nigeria to revisit its values and take concrete steps to address this crisis. Families must recognize their duty to care for aging parents, and society must strengthen social support systems. The government should prioritize policies that ensure financial security, affordable healthcare, and dignified living conditions for the elderly. Religious institutions and community groups also have a crucial role to play in rekindling the culture of caring for older citizens.
As Baba Umar stares into the distance, his eyes hold both sorrow and hope. He dreams of a Nigeria where aging does not equate to suffering—a country where the elderly are not abandoned but embraced, respected, and cared for. His story, and that of countless others, should serve as a wake-up call for us all.
The elderly are the custodians of our history, the pillars of our society. If we fail them now, we fail ourselves in the future.
