Over 651 Kidneys Worth $41 Billion Illegally Trafficked in Nigeria Between 2015–2020, Professor Reveals

BUK nephrologist warns organ trafficking syndicates thrive due to weak regulation, poor enforcement, and exploitation of vulnerable citizens

A shocking revelation has emerged from Nigeria’s medical sector as Professor Aliyu Abdu, a professor of medicine at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) and consultant nephrologist at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), disclosed that at least 651 kidneys valued at over $41 billion were trafficked and transplanted illegally in Nigeria between 2015 and 2020.

Speaking at a seminar on National Organ and Tissue Transplantation Standards in Abuja, Prof. Abdu described the trade as part of a global black market where an estimated 10,000 kidneys are sold every year.

He warned that organ trafficking in Nigeria is thriving because of weak regulation, poor enforcement of laws, and the absence of functional organ banks.

“Victims are mostly impoverished citizens who are lured by financial incentives and unaware of the health risks involved,” Prof. Abdu explained. “Sadly, many are abandoned after surgery, left to battle depression, infections, or chronic disease without adequate medical care.”

Despite the National Health Act of 2014, which prohibits the sale of human organs and mandates donor consent, enforcement has been largely ineffective. This loophole, according to Abdu, has allowed criminal syndicates to exploit Nigeria’s most vulnerable communities.

The professor described the organ trafficking trade as an organised criminal network involving illegal brokers, so-called “organ hunters,” physicians, nurses, ambulance drivers, and even travel and insurance agents.

He also lamented that Nigeria’s failure to establish cadaveric donation programs and organ banks has worsened the crisis, pushing desperate patients and criminals into the thriving black market.

Prof. Abdu called for stronger legislation, better enforcement, and public education campaigns to curb the rising menace of organ trafficking in the country.

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