Nigeria has introduced comprehensive standards and guidelines for organ and tissue transplants, aiming to regulate a sector long plagued by ethical concerns and exploitation, the country’s health minister announced Thursday.
The minister said the new framework underscores the federal government’s commitment to saving lives through ethical transplant procedures.
“For many, organ transplantation is not just a treatment but a second chance at life,” he said.
The guidelines were developed through extensive collaboration with healthcare professionals, legal experts, professional bodies, media organizations, and other key stakeholders.
Nigeria’s organ transplant system has faced challenges including donor shortages, cultural barriers, and weak regulations that have raised ethical concerns and increased the risk of trafficking.
The new framework, which explicitly prohibits the sale of organs, seeks to ensure transparency and adherence to international best practices. It covers kidney, liver, bone marrow, cornea, gamete, and embryo donation, as well as storage and surrogacy.