The Federal Government yesterday pledged to take decisive action against individuals involved in kidney trafficking, describing the practice as barbaric and criminal. The commitment comes in response to an investigative report by Daily Trust titled “Inside Abuja’s kidney ‘market’ where the rich prey on the poor,” which exposed an illicit kidney trade network operating within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The investigation revealed a clandestine economy where kidney brokers collaborate with local agents to target economically disadvantaged persons, convincing them to sell their kidneys. Private hospitals in the FCT were implicated in surgical operations to remove kidneys from minors, exchanging them for N1 million. Many Nigerians, on social media, have expressed concern and demanded the arrest and prosecution of those exposed to the illegal trade.
Ms Patricia Deworitshe, the Director of Media and Public Relations at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja. She condemned the illegal kidney trade in a statement. She emphasized that the National Health Act (NHA) of 2014, specifically sections 51-56, prohibits such activities.
Offenders, including both sellers and buyers, as well as medical practitioners and facilities involved, would face legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) is reportedly investigating the allegations against medical practitioners engaged in kidney trafficking.
Deworitshe underscored the importance of kidney donations being based on informed consent, medical advice, and privileged information about the process.
While expressing the government’s commitment to enhancing regulatory standards in healthcare, Deworitshe urged the public not to engage in illegal practices and encouraged reporting any information that could lead to the arrest of perpetrators.
Individuals who contravene the NHA provisions face penalties, including fines of N1 million, imprisonment for not less than two years, or both. The government’s strong stance reflects its determination to combat the illicit trade and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Deworitshe added that the donation of kidneys should be on the informed consent of the donor, done based on medical advice with privileged information about the process to save lives.
She reiterated that “while the Federal Ministry of Health remains committed to improving regulatory standards and practices to enhance effective and efficient healthcare system in line with the renewed hope agenda, the public is hereby advised not to engage in such illegal practice.
“The public should contact the Federal Ministry of Health on 08033228978 for any information that can lead to the arrest of such perpetrators.”
