Organ harvesting, which is the unlawful trafficking of human organs for transplantation, is a global issue. Nigeria is not immune to this like many other countries. The activity has had a significant impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole. It is the illegal removal of organs from people without their consent, usually for transplantation or commercial sale. It can happen as a result of compulsion, fraud, or abduction and may exploit vulnerable persons, particularly those living in poverty or marginalized groups. They may be misled into believing the procedure is both safe and equitable.
Perpetrators can employ abduction or kidnapping. Victims are forcibly taken away and their organs are harvested without their consent. However, this is not the same as lawful organ transplantation, which involves the voluntary and altruistic donation of organs for the purpose of saving lives or improving health. Legal organ transplantation takes place inside a regulated framework with strong ethical criteria and donor and recipient informed consent. But the illegal activity breaches human rights, exploits vulnerable individuals, and poses severe hazards to both donors’ and recipients’ health and well-being. Organs such as the kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, corneas, pancreas, and other body parts from living or deceased people are targeted. Kidneys are the most commonly illegally harvested organs due to their high demand and survival rate.
Country is experiencing a rise in the covert crime.
Essentially, the illegal trade poses significant risks to both donors and recipients, including severe health complications, organ rejection, and even death. Legal organ transplantation ensures safety, ethical standards, and proper medical care for both parties involved. Despite this, it has become a lucrative business in the country. Nigeria is currently experiencing a rise in covert crime. This is as evidenced by a 2013 scandal involving a “baby factory” in a South-Eastern state. It revealed a criminal network involved in illegal activities, including alleged organ harvesting. While it primarily focused on the trafficking of infants, it also implicated organ harvesting in human trafficking. Also, in 2017, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) discovered a criminal network involved in the unlawful removal and trafficking of human kidneys.
A number of people, including doctors and medical staff, have been arrested and accused of crimes related to organ harvesting. There are many cases of this. For instance, an investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) revealed that a private hospital in Ibadan was engaged in illicit kidney transplantation. In June 2023, the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) denied allegations of missing intestines of a 13-year-old patient, Adebola Akin-Bright, after he underwent corrective surgery without willfully removing any organ or structure. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu promised to take up the boy’s treatment abroad, but he died shortly thereafter before the required reprieve.
Weak enforcement of law has contributed to the burden.
However, the weak law enforcement and corruption within Nigeria create a fertile environment conducive to the increase in organ harvesting, as criminal networks exploit loopholes and corrupt officials. There are inadequacies within Nigerian healthcare system, including limited resources and infrastructure, which contribute to the increase in the crime. Technological advancements have also made organ transplantation more accessible, but also increased the demand for organs. But it should be noted that Nigeria has really strong legislation against the activity. One of them is the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (2015) criminalizes human trafficking, including organ trafficking, and provides penalties for those involved.
Additionally, the National Health Act (2014) regulates healthcare in Nigeria, including organ transplantation, and establishes a legal framework for ethical organ donation and transplantation. The Criminal Code Act and Penal Code Act, which apply to the southern and northern states respectively, contain provisions criminalizing offenses like kidnapping, abduction, and illegal confinement which can be applicable to cases of organ trafficking. The NAPTIP Act (2003) established the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, which is responsible for coordinating efforts to combat human trafficking, including organ trafficking. The Act provides for the investigation, prosecution, and punishment of offenders involved in human trafficking offenses. The laws are there, but the country is lacking in its implementation and enforcement.
How the government can solve this problem in Nigeria.
To protect citizens, the government should strengthen legal frameworks, improve healthcare infrastructure, raise awareness about the trade, and establish ethical donation programs. Victims should also report incidents to law enforcement and relevant agencies like NAPTIP, seek legal assistance, document evidence, and seek support from NGOs and human rights institutions. The government should also invest in medical facilities and trained healthcare professionals. The Federal Government should collaborate with other countries to share intelligence and extradite individuals involved in cross-border trafficking operations. Victims can explore international mechanisms for justice and accountability if domestic avenues for redress are insufficient.
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Nigeria silent organ trafficking crisis. – The country must strengthen institutions and enforce laws against the issue. – Express your point of view.
I completely agree with you. The silent organ trafficking crisis in Nigeria is a grave issue that demands immediate attention and action. It is imperative for the country to strengthen its institutions and enforce laws to effectively combat this heinous crime.
Organ trafficking is a deeply disturbing practice that exploits vulnerable individuals and violates their fundamental rights. It involves the illegal trade of organs, often through coercion, deception, or exploitation of the socio-economic circumstances of the donors. This illicit trade not only poses a significant threat to public health and safety but also perpetuates human rights abuses and undermines the integrity of the healthcare system.
To effectively address this crisis, Nigeria must prioritize the strengthening of its institutions, including law enforcement agencies, healthcare systems, and regulatory bodies. This involves providing adequate resources, training, and support to these institutions to enable them to effectively investigate, prosecute, and dismantle organ trafficking networks. Additionally, the government should collaborate with international organizations and neighboring countries to enhance intelligence sharing, cross-border cooperation, and the exchange of best practices in combating organ trafficking.
Enforcing laws against organ trafficking is crucial to deter potential perpetrators and ensure justice for victims. The government should review and strengthen existing legislation, ensuring that it covers all aspects of organ trafficking, including prevention, detection, prosecution, and victim protection. This should include strict penalties for offenders, as well as provisions for the protection and support of victims, who often suffer physical and psychological harm.
Overall, the silent organ trafficking crisis in Nigeria is a pressing issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. By strengthening institutions, enforcing laws, raising public awareness, and addressing the root causes, Nigeria can effectively combat organ trafficking and protect the rights and well-being of its citizens. It is crucial for the government, civil society, and international partners to work together to eradicate this abhorrent practice and ensure a safer and more just society for all.
Organ trafficking is a severe issue in Nigeria, and it has a negative impact on the most vulnerable people. To fight this issue, the government must uphold current regulations, improve healthcare facilities, increase public knowledge, and encourage moral organ donation.
The global outbreak of silent organ trafficking in Nigeria is a serious matter that has to be addressed right now. Organ trafficking need serious attention so it can be stopped many people as been a victim of organ trafficking