The House of Representatives has advanced a bill seeking to establish a regulatory body for organ harvesting, transplantation, and donations in Nigeria, passing the proposed legislation for a second reading on Tuesday.
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Make Provisions for a Regulatory Body for Organ Harvesting, Transplanting, and Donations and for Related Matters,” aims to create a structured framework for organ transplantation in the country.
Leading the debate, the bill’s sponsor, Sada Soli (APC, Katsina), highlighted the importance of the legislation, stating, “The primary objective of this bill is to create a framework for organ harvesting, transplanting, and donation in Nigeria.”
Soli stressed that the bill would enable life-saving organ transplants while ensuring the ethical management and rehabilitation of individuals with organ failure. He also noted that the proposed law would promote research and education on organ transplantation and donation practices.
The bill proposes the establishment of a regulatory committee chaired by the Minister of Health, with other members including the Minister of Justice, the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, and two medical professionals.
The committee’s responsibilities would include creating policies to regulate organ harvesting and transplantation, overseeing compliance with ethical standards, and guiding educational initiatives to increase organ donation awareness.
According to the bill, individuals aged 21 and above may voluntarily donate their organs. Family members such as spouses, children, parents, or siblings may also donate in cases where no objections arise from the family.
The explanatory memorandum accompanying the bill emphasizes the need to regulate organ harvesting and transplantation in Nigeria to ensure ethical practices, protect donors and recipients, and establish a legal framework for this critical aspect of healthcare.
If passed into law, the bill is expected to improve organ donation rates and enhance access to life-saving transplants, ensuring that Nigeria keeps pace with global best practices in organ transplantation and medical ethics.
