Lagos govt signs bill to combat illegal organ harvesting

Lagos State has officially signed into law the Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Bill, a significant move aimed at curbing illegal organ harvesting and unethical medical practices.

This new legislation is part of a suite of five new laws enacted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, underscoring the state’s commitment to improving public welfare, safety, and ethical standards in medical practices.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, announced the signing of the bill on Thursday at a press briefing at the Ministry of Justice in Alausa, Ikeja.

According to Pedro, the law will help regulate organ transplantation and prevent the exploitation of individuals through illicit organ trade.

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“This law is a framework to regulate organ harvesting and transplant in the state. It prohibits organ harvesting without proper authorization and bans advertisements for the sale of human organs,” Pedro explained.

The new legislation is part of a broader effort by the Lagos State Government to enhance the welfare and security of its citizens. Other laws signed include the Consumer Protection Law, Lagos Enforcement Training Institute Laws, Victims Assistance, Witness Protection Laws, and the Fire and Rescue Service Laws.

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Pedro emphasized that the Lagos Consumer Protection Agency Law would be instrumental in safeguarding consumer rights, ensuring that businesses uphold ethical standards. Violations of this law could lead to heavy fines and imprisonment, especially for businesses found selling hazardous products.

“These laws are not just milestones; they demonstrate our unwavering commitment to ensuring Lagos remains a beacon of progress, justice, and opportunity in Nigeria,” Pedro added, urging residents to familiarize themselves with the new laws and ensure their enforcement.