Concerned Citizens Decry Rise in Sales of Human Organs . . . Call For Strong Regulation Enforcement

The recent upsurge in sales of body organs by youngsters, has raised concerns from members of the public.

BochNews Online Vox Pop went out to seek opinions from members of the public on the appropriateness, moral and medical implications (if any) for the individuals and the nation.

Below are some responses

Excerpts:

The issue concerning selling of kidney and illicit harvesting of body organ, I will say is desperation, the young people of this generation don’t want to work, but are ready to make money by all means, that is why you see them engaging themselves in all manner of evil, there are some cases where a friend will trick his fellow friend to visit, from there, he can give them drugs to sleep, while they are at sleep they attack them.

Young girls are mostly victims of  organ harvesting, they’ll come and brainwash their parents to allow their daughter to travel out, that there’s job opportunity, not knowing some of them are being sold for millions of money As parents, my advice is don’t allow anyone to tell you I want to take your daughter to live with me, manage whatever you have.

Train your children to be contented.

We can curb it through sensitization programme, such as using NGOs, media organizations, visits to schools, churches and markets to educate the young children, always make friends with your children to avoid intruders in your family.
Aways pray in the family. –

It is a crime against humanity and anyone found in the deal should be arrested and treated as a criminal and a beast.

The fact is that many  underestimate karma but it’s real and there is a payback.

Our religious leaders should look out for more content on morals and stop all this prosperity preaching. The home front should not be left because charity they say begins at home.

The government has to do enough and our security agencies must be proactive and alive to their duties and surveillance of our society.

More diligent investigations should be carried out against this ugly trend.

The sale of body organs, such as kidneys, especially among youths seeking quick money, raises significant ethical, health, and legal concerns. Here’s an overview of the appropriateness, implications, and possible measures to curb this practice:

Appropriateness

– Not appropriate: Selling body organs is generally considered unethical and illegal in many countries. It commodifies the human body and exploits vulnerable individuals, often those in financial distress.

– Exploitation risk: Youths may be coerced or misled into selling organs without fully understanding the consequences, making it a form of exploitation.

Health Implications

– Short-term risks: The surgical removal of an organ like a kidney carries risks such as infection, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia.

– Long-term health problems: Living with one kidney can increase the risk of kidney disease, hypertension, and reduced overall kidney function. Donors may suffer chronic pain or other complications.
-• Lack of medical follow-up: In illegal or unregulated sales, proper medical care before and after surgery is often lacking, increasing health risks.

Moral and Ethical Implications

– Exploitation and inequality: Organ sales often exploit poor and vulnerable populations, exacerbating social inequalities.

– Violation of human dignity: Treating body parts as commodities undermines respect for human dignity.

– Legal issues: Most countries prohibit the sale of organs to prevent trafficking and exploitation.

How to Curb the Practice

1. Legal enforcement: Strengthen laws against organ trafficking and illegal organ sales, with strict penalties for offenders.

2. Public awareness: Educate youths and the general public about the health risks and ethical issues related to organ selling.

3. Economic support: Provide financial assistance, job opportunities, and social support to vulnerable populations to reduce the temptation to sell organs for quick money.

4. Promote ethical organ donation: Encourage voluntary, altruistic organ donation through awareness campaigns and support systems.

5. Healthcare access: Improve access to healthcare and counseling for those in financial distress to address underlying causes.

6. Community engagement: Involve community leaders, NGOs, and healthcare professionals in advocacy and education efforts.

Conclusion
Selling body organs for quick money is inappropriate due to serious health risks, moral concerns, and legal prohibitions.

Combating this issue requires a multifaceted approach involving legal action, education, economic support, and promotion of ethical organ donation.

KIDNEY  SALE is inappropriate for any moral society, and should be discouraged at all costs.

Amongst its health implication is the fact that, should anything go wrong with the other one, what becomes of the person, in as much as there will  be no substitute to cater
for the body’s  teeming needs.

God is wiser for giving mankind such a wonderful gift as the kidney with a substitute in any emergency. –

In Nigeria, the illegal sale of kidneys and other organs among youths for “quick money” is a growing crisis, driven by poverty, unemployment, and lack of awareness. The country has weak regulations, a thriving black market, and desperate individuals falling victim to organ trafficking syndicates. Here’s how Nigeria can tackle this problem:

Many young Nigerians, especially in poor urban and rural areas, are lured by middlemen offering huge sums (often exaggerated) for kidneys.

Unregulated Hospitals: Some private clinics collaborate with traffickers to perform illegal transplants for wealthy clients (often foreigners).

Lack of Enforcement: Nigeria’s National Health Act (2014) prohibits organ trafficking, but enforcement is weak due to corruption and poor oversight. 

Dangers In Organ Sale.  a) Health Risks.
Unsafe Surgeries: Many operations are done in substandard facilities, leading to infections, kidney failure, or death.

Post-Sale Complications: Donors rarely receive proper follow-up care, leaving them with lifelong health problems. 

b) Moral & Social Consequences.
Exploitation of the Poor: Wealthy buyers exploit desperate youths, worsening inequality.

Criminal Networks: Organ trafficking is linked to other illegal activities like human trafficking and fraud. 

How It Can Be Curbed

a) Legal & Policy Reforms
• Strengthen the National Health Act 
   – Explicitly criminalize organ sales (not just trafficking). 
   – Punish doctors, hospitals, and brokers involved. 

b) Establish a National Organ Transplant Agency
   Regulate legal, ethical transplants (only from brain-dead donors or close relatives).

Maintain a transparent donor-recipient matching system

c) Work with INTERPOL & West African Agencies
• Track and dismantle international organ trafficking rings operating in Nigeria. 

d) Economic & Social Solutions
• Youth Employment Programs 
   – Provide vocational training, startup grants, and job placements to reduce financial desperation. 

• Public Awareness Campaigns
    Use social media, radio, and community leaders to warn youths about the dangers of organ sales.

Partner with influencers (e.g., Nollywood stars, musicians) to spread the message. 

• Poverty Alleviation Initiatives
   Expand conditional cash transfers (e.g., similar to TraderMoni) to support at-risk youths. 

e) Medical & Ethical Measures
• Encourage Ethical Donations
   – Promote cadaveric (deceased) donations through public education (e.g., “Donate Life” campaigns). 
    Offer non-monetary incentives (e.g., healthcare benefits) for voluntary donors. 

• Regulate Private Hospitals License and monitor clinics that perform transplants.

Blacklist hospitals involved in illegal organ trade.

f) Success Stories from other Countries like
Iran (legal paid donations, but with strict controls) and mixed results (reduced black market but ethical concerns).

India & Philippines (banned sales, increased deceased donations) and reduced illegal trade.

South Africa (strict laws  public awareness)  decline in organ trafficking. 

Nigeria can adopt India’s model (strong bans  awareness) and South Africa’s enforcement strategies

g) Individuals Responsibilities
• Report suspicious offers (e.g., “Make quick money by selling your kidney”) to the Police, NAFDAC, or NGOs
• Educate friends & family on the risks. 
• Support ethical organ donation (e.g., signing up as a donor). 

In conclusion, organ trafficking in Nigeria thrives because of poverty, weak laws, and lack of awareness.

To stop it, the government must enforce stricter laws, create jobs, and promote ethical donations, while citizens must stay informed and reject illegal offers. –