Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised fresh concerns over reports that some young Nigerians are allegedly considering or selling their kidneys to raise money as the country continues to grapple with a severe cost of living crisis.
Atiku described the reports as deeply disturbing, warning that the situation reflects the level of desperation some Nigerians may be experiencing as they struggle to meet basic needs. He argued that young people should be using their talents, ideas and creativity to build their futures rather than considering the sale of body organs as a means of survival.
The former vice president, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 election, linked the alleged development to rising living costs, pointing to the increasing prices of food, transportation, rent, school fees, medicines and electricity...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
He said reports that some young Nigerians could be willing to sell a kidney for as little as N1.7 million should concern the entire country and prompt serious reflection about the economic conditions facing citizens.
Atiku argued that the issue goes beyond ordinary financial hardship, saying extreme desperation could make vulnerable people susceptible to exploitation by criminal networks involved in illegal organ trafficking.
He acknowledged that Nigeria already has laws prohibiting commercial organ sales and organ trafficking but maintained that legislation alone would not solve the deeper problems of poverty and economic vulnerability.
According to him, government policies aimed at improving the economy must also take into consideration their effect on ordinary Nigerians. He called for an approach that would make essential goods and services more affordable while creating better opportunities for young people.
The former vice president said economic reforms should translate into improved access to food, transportation, healthcare and decent employment opportunities. He maintained that young Nigerians should be focused on building careers, establishing businesses and developing innovative ideas rather than looking at their body organs as emergency financial assets.
The concerns come amid recent reports and unverified claims surrounding organ trafficking in different parts of the country. The allegations have generated renewed discussions about the need for stronger enforcement, public awareness and protection for people who may be vulnerable to exploitation.
The reported figure of N1.7 million has also attracted attention, although claims about individuals selling kidneys should be independently verified and should not be treated as established evidence of widespread organ sales without credible investigations.
The issue has nevertheless highlighted the broader consequences of economic hardship and the difficult choices that vulnerable Nigerians may face when they are unable to meet basic needs.
As Nigeria continues to implement economic reforms and deal with the effects of rising living costs, Atiku’s comments have reignited the debate over whether government policies are providing sufficient relief and opportunities for young Nigerians.
The controversy has also placed renewed attention on the need to tackle poverty, unemployment and illegal organ trafficking simultaneously, while ensuring that Nigerians are protected from criminal networks that could seek to exploit economic desperation.
