The Federal Government has launched the Standards and Guidelines for Establishing and Coordinating Organ/Tissue Transplantation Services in Nigeria, a significant milestone aimed at regulating and improving organ donation and transplantation practices nationwide.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako who unveiled the framework on Thursday in Abuja, emphasised the government’s commitment to ethical and life-saving organ transplantation. Represented by the director of hospital services, Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, Salako underscored the critical role of transplantation in offering renewed hope to patients suffering from end-stage organ failure.
“For many individuals, organ transplantation is not just a treatment but a second chance at life. This document, validated on November 13, 2024, sets the foundation for safe, ethical and transparent organ and tissue transplantation services in Nigeria,” he said.
The new guidelines were developed through extensive collaboration with healthcare professionals, legal experts, professional bodies, media organisations, and other key stakeholders. Salako stated that the guidelines address crucial areas such as donor protection, transplant patient safety, ethical practices, and compliance mechanisms.
“The document is designed to build trust in Nigeria’s organ transplantation system by ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to international best practices,” he said.
Acknowledging the challenges in organ transplantation, including unethical organ harvesting and the need for informed consent, the minister emphasised the importance of public awareness, infrastructural development, and strict regulatory enforcement. He called on all stakeholders – including health professionals, policymakers and civil society – to foster a culture where organ donation is both understood and ethically managed.
“This is not just a policy; it is a commitment to life. However, for these guidelines to be effective, we must bridge gaps in public education, medical infrastructure and regulatory compliance,” he added.
He commended the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee (NTHISC) and all stakeholders involved in developing the guidelines, urging them to ensure effective implementation.
Chairman of the NTHISC, Prof. Phillip Abiodun, described the launch as a major step in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system. Speaking at the official unveiling, he noted that the guidelines represent a firm commitment to ethical medical practices, safeguarding lives and restoring public trust.
“For too long, organ transplantation in Nigeria has been plagued by irregularities, exploitation, and a lack of robust regulatory frameworks. Today, we take decisive steps toward changing the narrative and building a system that prioritises transparency, accountability and equity,” he stated.
Abiodun explained that the NTHISC, established under the National Health Act of 2014, is responsible for regulating tertiary healthcare facilities across Nigeria. Ensuring ethical and internationally aligned organ transplantation services is one of its core responsibilities.
The new guidelines cover key aspects such as ethical considerations, informed consent requirements, donor protection mechanisms, and measures to prevent exploitation. He emphasised that these provisions align with global standards while addressing Nigeria’s unique challenges.
As part of the next phase, Abiodun outlined key reforms that will be implemented:
1. Registration and Licensing – All healthcare institutions performing organ transplants must obtain certification to ensure only qualified facilities handle such delicate procedures.
2. Monitoring and Compliance – Strict oversight mechanisms will be put in place to ensure adherence to the guidelines, with legal consequences for non-compliance.
3. Legislative Support – The initiative has received backing from the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, with lawmakers pledging to strengthen regulations on organ transplantation.
4. Central Database – A national database will be established to track donations and transplants while maintaining transparency.
5. Public Awareness Campaigns – Nigerians will be sensitised on the importance of organ donation and the safeguards now in place to protect donors and recipients.
Abiodun also stressed the need for cultural and religious reorientation regarding organ donation.
“Many myths have discouraged people from donating organs, but we must begin to see it differently. You can give life, sight, or health to another person even after your death. That is why we must encourage initiatives like including ‘organ donor’ status on driver’s licenses,” he said.
He urged all stakeholders to collaborate to ensure the success of the initiative, warning that non-compliance would not be tolerated.
“As the saying goes, ‘two hands make lifting easier.’ Our collective effort will ensure that organ transplantation in Nigeria is ethical, transparent, and accessible to those in need,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, Hon. Abiola Makinde reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to safeguarding Nigerians’ rights in organ transplantation through legislative support.
Makinde commended the initiative as timely and long overdue, particularly appreciating the emphasis on informed consent in organ transplantation.
“Informed consent is crucial, and I appreciate its emphasis here today. The protection of human rights will always be our priority,” he said.
He assured the Federal Ministry of Health that the House Committee is committed to collaborating on regulatory measures to prevent human rights violations in organ transplantation. Recognising the global challenge of organ trafficking, he pledged legislative support to combat such illicit activities.
“You can count on us in the House of Representatives to remain active partners in ensuring ethical organ transplantation practices. If there are necessary amendments to existing laws, we are ready to work with stakeholders to strengthen the legal framework,” he added.
Makinde also emphasised that the House of Representatives is willing to propose legislative amendments where needed, ensuring appropriate legal consequences and penalties for violators.
Science Nigeria reports that the event was attended by key stakeholders in the health sector, marking a significant step toward establishing ethical and standardised organ transplantation services in Nigeria.
Experts have emphasised that the introduction of these guidelines will help address longstanding regulatory gaps, curb illegal organ trade, and provide a structured pathway for safe and ethical transplants.
With these new measures in place, Nigeria is set to improve patient safety, encourage voluntary organ donations, and align its organ transplantation practices with international standards.
As implementation begins, stakeholders are optimistic that organ transplantation in Nigeria will transition from being a largely unregulated sector to one that upholds the highest ethical standards, ultimately saving countless lives.
