Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over reports that some young Nigerians are allegedly considering selling their kidneys to raise money amid the country’s worsening cost-of-living crisis.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election, raised the concern in a statement on Friday, describing the reports as a disturbing indication of the level of economic pressure facing young Nigerians.
He said young people should be using their talents, ideas and innovation to build their futures rather than being pushed into desperate measures to meet basic needs.
Atiku attributed the rising cost of food, transportation, rent, school fees, medicine and electricity to what he described as the harsh economic conditions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
According to him, the situation goes beyond ordinary economic hardship when young Nigerians reportedly begin to consider their body organs as a means of raising emergency funds.
He acknowledged that Nigerian law prohibits commercial organ sales and trafficking, but argued that legislation alone would not address the poverty and desperation that could leave vulnerable people exposed to exploitation.
The former vice president called for economic policies that would directly improve living conditions, including measures to make food and transportation more affordable, expand access to healthcare and create decent employment opportunities.
He also urged the government to ensure that economic reforms have a direct and positive impact on ordinary Nigerians, particularly young people.
Atiku said Nigeria’s youth population should be focused on building careers, starting businesses and developing innovative ideas that can contribute to the country’s growth.
His comments come amid recent reports and investigations concerning alleged organ trafficking in parts of the country, further drawing attention to the need to protect vulnerable Nigerians from exploitation.
