The Federal Government has mandated that all health facilities involved in organ transplantation in Nigeria must be registered and licensed to operate. These facilities are also required to set up independent Organ Transplantation Committees, separate from their medical transplantation teams. The National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee (NTHISC) is advancing plans to inspect and accredit organ transplant facilities nationwide, as well as establish a National Organ Transplantation Registry.
This announcement was made on Thursday, March 6, in Abuja, during the launch of the Standards and Guidelines for the Establishment and Coordination of Organ/Tissue Transplantation Services in Nigeria. Developed by the Organ Transplantation Guidelines Panel, led by Professor Fatiu Abiola Arogundade under the NTHISC, the document outlines ethical standards for organ donation and transplantation, including donor protection, informed consent, and organ allocation processes. It covers areas such as kidney, liver, eye tissue, hematopoietic stem cell (bone marrow), gamete and embryo donation, storage, and surrogacy.
At the launch, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Adekunle Salako, underscored the importance of the guidelines, stating, “These guidelines provide a much-needed regulatory framework for organ transplantation. They aim to restore trust in organ donation in Nigeria by promoting transparency, accountability, and adherence to international best practices.” Represented by Jimoh Salaudeen, Director of Hospital Services, the Minister highlighted growing concerns about unethical practices and organ trafficking in Nigeria, adding, “This document is particularly crucial in light of Nigeria’s unique challenges, especially recent incidents of unethical organ harvesting and other excesses in the sector.”
Salako also highlighted cases of vulnerable young Nigerians falling victim to organ trafficking, often targeted by criminal networks with false promises of a better life. “These tragic cases emphasize the urgent need for strict regulations to safeguard both organ donors and recipients,” he noted, emphasizing that the guidelines would help bring about significant progress in the sector.
Following the launch, Salako’s representative outlined immediate steps to implement the guidelines. “Authorities will begin by mapping and registering all healthcare institutions involved in organ donation and transplantation to ensure that only certified facilities with the proper capacity can perform these procedures. Monitoring systems will be put in place to ensure adherence to the guidelines, and we will establish an organ donation and transplantation registry and banking system for better management.”
Salako also called for stronger laws to ensure compliance, acknowledging the evolving legislative framework surrounding ethical organ harvesting. “We recognize the need to enhance current laws with penalties for violations of these guidelines and the National Health Act 2014. The government is committed to cleaning up the organ transplantation process in Nigeria, and we will not relent in our efforts.”
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachallom, represented by Tetshoma Dafeta, described the initiative as a transformative step for Nigeria’s healthcare system. “As demand for organ transplants grows, so do ethical concerns. Without proper regulation, vulnerable lives are at risk. These guidelines ensure organ donation and transplantation in Nigeria are safe, ethical, and transparent.”
Kachallom further stressed the need for widespread public awareness, better infrastructure, and strong regulatory enforcement to make the guidelines effective. “We must engage health professionals, policymakers, civil society, and the public to foster a culture of ethical organ donation and transplantation.”
Hon. Abiola Makinde, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, assured that lawmakers would support necessary amendments to the National Health Act to strengthen regulatory oversight, penalties, and the broader scope of the legislation.
Prof. Phillip Abiodun, Chairman of the NTHISC, warned that non-compliance with the guidelines would not be tolerated. “Organ transplantation in Nigeria has long been plagued by irregularities, exploitation, and weak regulation. These guidelines are designed to create a culture of accountability within the healthcare system.”
He concluded by stating that the guidelines aim to rebuild public trust. “Through facility mapping, certification, and stringent compliance monitoring, we intend to eliminate irregularities and ensure that every transplant is conducted ethically and under controlled conditions.”