Shocking Revelation: Over 650 Kidneys Trafficked Annually in Nigeria

Professor Aliyu Abdu, a consultant nephrologist at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, revealed alarming statistics of kidney trafficking in Nigeria, with at least 651 kidneys illegally harvested and transplanted between 2015-2020. The underground trade, estimated at $41 billion globally, involves around 10,000 kidneys sold on the black market annually.

Prof. Abdu highlighted the weak regulatory enforcement and exploitation of vulnerable individuals in this illicit trade, leading to severe health risks and emotional trauma for donors.

Despite laws criminalizing commercial organ sales, the practice persists due to the lack of oversight. The seminar on organ transplantation standards aimed to address these issues and combat the organized crime networks involved.