Organ Harvesting Transplant and Donations Regulatory Body
Act · Health
An Act establishes a regulatory body to oversee organ donation, harvesting, and transplantation in Nigeria, ensuring ethical practices and preventing trafficking. It targets patients needing transplants, medical professionals, and organ donors. The body expands access to safe organ transplants across the country.
What Is This Policy?
Proposes the establishment of a dedicated regulatory body to govern organ donation, harvesting, and transplantation in Nigeria, ensuring ethical practices, preventing organ trafficking, and expanding transplant access.
Who Does It Target?
Patients requiring organ transplants Medical professionals performing transplants and managing donations Organ donors and their families
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Establish a regulated, ethical framework for organ donation and transplantation in Nigeria Prevent illegal organ harvesting and trafficking Expand the availability of donated organs for transplant patients
Key Features
Regulatory Body: Dedicated agency with mandate to license, inspect, and regulate all organ transplant centres in Nigeria Donor Registry: National organ donor registry for voluntary registration and next-of-kin consent Anti-Trafficking Provisions: Criminal sanctions for illegal organ harvesting and trafficking Ethical Standards: Mandatory ethical protocols for organ allocation, procurement, and transplantation
Current Status
How to Access
Patients needing transplants should consult accredited transplant centres; those wishing to donate can register on the National Donor Registry upon establishment Medical assessment and referral for transplant patients Voluntary consent and health screening for donors Application method: Federal Ministry of Health – health.gov.ng
Important Terms
Illegal organ harvesting is a serious criminal offence carrying severe penalties Organ donation must be voluntary; coercion or payment is prohibited All transplant centres must be licensed by the regulatory body
Impact & Metrics
Saves lives by expanding access to transplantation while protecting vulnerable Nigerians from organ trafficking.
Official Resources
Website: health.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Health This policy summary is intended for informational purposes. For official and legal information, refer to the cited Act or Bill and official government sources.
Legal Framework
To be enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Will operate alongside the National Health Act 2014, the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, the Human Tissues Act Cap H15 LFN 2004, and the WHO guiding principles on human cell, tissue, and organ transplantation.