Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has raised alarm over reports that some young Nigerians are allegedly selling their kidneys and other body organs to survive amid the country’s worsening cost-of-living crisis.
Atiku blamed the development on economic hardship and criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that reforms should improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians rather than make basic necessities increasingly unaffordable.
The former vice president made the comments in a statement posted on his official X account on Friday.
Atiku Raises Concern Over Kidney Sales
Atiku said he had come across what he described as disturbing reports of young Nigerians allegedly resorting to selling parts of their bodies to raise money.
He specifically referred to claims that some young people were selling their kidneys for as little as N1.7 million.
However, the figure has not been independently verified, and Atiku did not attribute it to a specific government agency or official report.
TheCable and PUNCH also reported that the figure could not independently be verified at the time of publication.
Atiku argued that young Nigerians should be building careers, starting businesses and developing innovative ideas rather than contemplating the sale of their organs.
‘Economic Reform Must Have A Human Face’
The ADC presidential candidate said the situation should concern the government because of its implications for young Nigerians.
He listed food, transportation, rent, school fees, medicine and electricity among the areas where Nigerians are facing increased financial pressure.
Atiku said economic reforms should not be measured only by macroeconomic indicators but also by how ordinary citizens experience the economy.
According to him, reforms must translate into affordable necessities, jobs, healthcare and improved living conditions.
Nigeria Has Laws Against Organ Trafficking
Commercial organ sales and organ trafficking are illegal in Nigeria.
Atiku acknowledged the existence of laws prohibiting the practice but argued that legislation alone cannot eliminate the desperation that makes vulnerable people susceptible to criminal networks.
His comments came against the backdrop of recent reports concerning alleged organ trafficking investigations.
PUNCH reported that the police had paraded suspects, including two nephrologists, in connection with an alleged organ-harvesting network. Investigators reportedly linked the suspects to the alleged recruitment of vulnerable young people.
The existence of such investigations, however, does not independently establish Atiku’s broader claim that economic hardship is causing a widespread increase in kidney sales.
Atiku Promises Different Economic Direction
Atiku used the controversy to renew his criticism of the Tinubu administration.
He argued that government policies should focus on reducing the financial burden on households and creating opportunities for young Nigerians.
The former vice president also reiterated his position that Nigeria needs economic policies with what he described as a “human face.”
He concluded his statement with a direct political message ahead of the 2027 election, saying:
“Tinubu made Nigeria expensive. I will make Nigeria affordable again.”
The statement is part of Atiku’s broader campaign message as he seeks to challenge Tinubu in 2027.