By Gloria Ikibah 
A bill seeking to establish a regulatory body for organ harvesting, transplantation, and donations in Nigeria, has passed through second reading in the House of Representatives on Tuesday at plenary.
Titled A Bill for an Act to Make Provisions for a Regulatory Body for Organ Harvesting, Transplanting, and Donations and for Related Matters, the proposed legislation aims to create a structured system for organ transplants nationwide.
Leading the debate, sponsor of the bill, Rep. Sada Soli (APC, Katsina), highlighted its primary goal: establishing a framework to govern organ harvesting, transplants, and donations.
“This legislation is intended to save lives by facilitating organ transplants while also supporting individuals with organ failure,” Soli stated.
Beyond medical procedures, the bill also seeks to promote research and education in organ donation and transplantation.
Under its provisions, the proposed regulatory committee will be chaired by the Minister of Health, with the Minister of Justice, the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, and two other medical experts as members.
The committee will be responsible for setting policies to regulate organ transplants, providing guidance on donation procedures, and promoting educational programs to encourage organ donation.
The bill specifies that individuals aged 21 and above can donate their organs. In cases where a donor is unable to consent, close family members, including a spouse, child, parent, or sibling may do so, provided there is no objection from the family.
According to its explanatory memorandum, the legislation is designed to ensure ethical and legal compliance in organ harvesting and transplantation across Nigeria.
