The Federal Government has introduced new guidelines to regulate organ and tissue transplantation services in Nigeria. The document, titled *Standards and Guidelines for Establishing and Coordinating Organ/Tissue Transplantation Services in Nigeria*, was validated on November 13, 2024, and marks a significant step in improving organ donation and transplantation practices in the country.
As part of the initiative, the government plans to establish an **Organ Donation and Transplantation Registry and Banking system** to better manage organ donations nationwide.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isaac Salako, announced the development at the unveiling of the guidelines in Abuja. He stated that the government would begin mapping and certifying health institutions involved in organ donation and transplantation to ensure they meet the highest standards.
Salako emphasized that organ transplantation is more than a medical procedure—it is a life-saving opportunity for individuals suffering from end-stage organ failure. He noted that many patients rely on transplants as a matter of life and death, and the new guidelines will help protect donors, ensure patient safety, and establish ethical standards.
The guidelines aim to address issues such as ethical concerns in transplantation, donor protection, patient safety, and minimum standards for organ transplants. Salako noted that recent incidents of unethical organ harvesting and malpractice highlight the need for stronger regulation in the sector.
He called on stakeholders—including healthcare professionals, legal experts, religious bodies, civil society organizations, and the media—to engage with the guidelines to ensure their effectiveness in improving organ transplantation practices.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Daju Kachollom, described the launch of the guidelines as a game-changer for the healthcare system. She pointed out that as the demand for organ transplants increases, ethical concerns remain a challenge, and without regulation, vulnerable individuals could be at risk.
Chairman of the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee (NTHISC), Prof. Philip Abiodun, noted that organ transplantation in Nigeria has long been plagued by irregularities, exploitation, and a lack of proper regulation. He said the new guidelines are crucial to protecting lives and preventing unethical practices in the sector.
