By Zainab Bakare
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over reports of young Nigerians allegedly selling their kidneys to cope with the country’s economic hardship.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, made the remarks in a post on X on Thursday.
He said he had heard “disturbing stories” of young Nigerians allegedly turning to the sale of body organs, particularly kidneys, in desperate attempts to raise money.
“Young Nigerians should be selling dreams, ideas and innovation, not their body organs,” Atiku said, describing the reported trend as one that should “offend the conscience of every Nigerian.”
Atiku Blames Economic Hardship
The former Vice President linked the reports to the rising cost of living under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He cited the increasing cost of food, transportation, rent, school fees, medicine and electricity as pressures making it difficult for many Nigerians to live with dignity.
Atiku claimed some young Nigerians were reportedly being offered as little as ₦1.7 million for a kidney.
However, the figure was not attributed to any specific report or agency, and it could not be independently verified.
Calls for Economic Reforms
Atiku acknowledged that Nigerian laws prohibit commercial organ sales and organ trafficking.
However, he argued that legislation alone would not address the poverty and desperation that could make vulnerable people targets for criminal networks.
He called for economic reforms focused on making food and transportation more affordable, improving access to healthcare, creating decent jobs and restoring hope among young Nigerians.
Atiku concluded with a direct criticism of President Tinubu, saying: “Tinubu made Nigeria expensive. I will make Nigeria affordable again.”
Police Investigate Alleged Organ Trafficking
The comments come amid recent reports of alleged organ trafficking in parts of Nigeria.
The Nigeria Police Force recently paraded four suspects, including two nephrologists, in connection with an alleged organ-trafficking operation.
Police said one of the suspects allegedly admitted to recruiting victims and claimed that a 22-year-old man was taken to a hospital in Abuja in April, where his kidney was allegedly removed.
Investigators said the alleged syndicate targeted financially vulnerable young people in Nasarawa and neighbouring areas.
The allegations remain subject to investigation.
