PENSION CHALLENGES FACING THE OLDER PERSONS

Background--It is unknown how socio-demographic variables impact on regularity of pension among the older persons in Nigeria. This has become essential in order to improve the preparation for old age among Nigerians. Reliable information is also required to formulate comprehensive social security system for the elderly. Methods-----Quantitative data were collected through an individual- based questionnaire. Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select local government areas, enumeration areas and individuals for the study. In all, 810 respondents were interviewed. Findings---- while age of respondents, religion, and family size are significantly related to the regular pension in model 2, in the Male Model, with the exception of religion, all other factors are significantly associated with regular pension. In this model, while males aged 60-64 are 1.2 times more likely to, those aged 65-69 are 2.0 times more likely to report regular pension than those aged 70 years and above. In terms of religion, while Christians are 2.1 times more likely to, Muslims are 2.4 times more likely to report regular pension than adherents of African traditional religion. With respect to family size, while those with 1-3 children are 2.8 times more likely to, those with 4-6 children are 1.4 times more likely to report regular pension than those with seven or more children. Conclusion----- The idea that old-age security and well being in Nigeria should remain the primary responsibility of the family is untenable. The government must assume the primary responsibility in a partnership in which the family also continues to play a significant role