The Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concern over reports that some young Nigerians are resorting to selling their kidneys to cope with the country’s economic hardship.
Atiku raised the concern in a post on X on Friday, describing the reports as disturbing and warning that worsening living costs were pushing vulnerable Nigerians towards desperate measures.
He said young Nigerians should be using their talents and ideas to build their futures rather than considering the sale of their body organs as a means of survival.
“Young people should be selling dreams, ideas and innovation, not their body organs,” Atiku said.
He attributed the reported trend to the severity of the cost-of-living crisis, arguing that unbearable economic conditions could make extreme measures appear to be viable options.
According to him, the rising cost of food, transportation, rent, school fees, medicine and electricity had made it increasingly difficult for many Nigerians to live with dignity.
Atiku claimed that some young Nigerians were reportedly being offered as much as N1.7 million for their kidneys, describing the situation as a reflection of the depth of economic desperation in the country.
He said young Nigerians should be focused on building careers, starting businesses, raising families and pursuing their aspirations rather than considering the sale of their organs.
Atiku acknowledged that Nigerian laws prohibit commercial organ sales and organ trafficking but argued that legislation alone would not address the poverty and desperation that make vulnerable people susceptible to exploitation.
He called for economic policies that prioritise the welfare of Nigerians, including access to affordable food, transportation, healthcare and decent employment.
“Economic reform must have a human face. It must mean affordable food, cheaper transportation, accessible healthcare, decent jobs and renewed hope for the next generation,” he said.
Atiku further criticised the Federal Government’s economic reforms, arguing that no reform should be considered successful if Nigerians are pushed into extreme measures to meet their basic needs.
His comments come amid recent reports and unverified claims concerning organ trafficking in parts of Nigeria, although the specific claims about people selling their kidneys for N1.7 million have not been independently established in the statement.
