FG launches fresh drive to curb unethical organ transplants
By Kunle Sanni –
The Federal Government has inaugurated a new committee and unveiled national guidelines aimed at ending unethical and illegal organ and tissue transplantation practices in Nigeria.
At a stakeholders’ seminar in Abuja, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare announced that the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee (NTHISC), chaired by Professor Philip O. Abiodun, will oversee the enforcement of ethical standards in the sector.
The move follows the release of the 2025 Standards and Guidelines for Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which outline protocols for donor and recipient safety, voluntary consent, and equitable access to services.
Prof. Abiodun warned that without clear regulations, the country risks unsafe practices and exploitation. He cited disturbing cases involving underage and impoverished Nigerians being pressured into organ donation, as well as young women repeatedly donating eggs without fully understanding the associated health risks.
“These guidelines are Nigeria’s powerful tool to regulate every aspect of transplantation—ensuring safety, quality care, and eliminating malpractice,” he said.
He also announced plans to register all transplant facilities and practitioners, establish a national registry, create organ and tissue banks, and integrate transplant services into the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to reduce costs for patients.
Dr. Iyore James, president of the CCCF, pledged the foundation’s support, stating that it would work with the government and stakeholders to uphold ethical standards.
