The Older Persons (Rights and Privileges) Bill 2020, sponsored by the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, has prescribed a six-month jail term for anyone who discriminates against anybody that is above 60 years in Nigeria.
It also recommends N2m fine against any corporate institution which commits such offence against older people in the society.
The bill mandates the National Identity Management Commission to issue certificate of older person to anyone, who attains the age of 60 years for them to qualify for all the rights and privileges contained in the proposed legislation.
It also imposes a one-year jail term on any one, who unlawfully issues certificate of older person to anyone below the age of 60.
Other provisions made for the older persons in the bill include, 50 per cent discount on land, sea and air transportation and it mandated commercial vehicle operators, management of airlines and shipping lines to ensure compliance.
The bill forbids anyone from subjecting older persons to solicit for alms and prescribed a six-month jail term for offenders.
It also provides free education up to secondary level for any illiterate older person who is willing to acquire formal knowledge.
