Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has signed the Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Bill into law, to prohibit illegal organ harvesting.
The State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), said in addition to the Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Bill, Sanwo-Olu also signed four other new laws including the Consumer Protection Law, Lagos Enforcement Training Institute Law, Victims Assistance and Witness Protection Laws, and Fire and Rescue Service Law.
Pedro described the Human Organ Harvesting and Tissue Transplantation Law, which addresses illicit organ trade and unethical medical practices, as a groundbreaking framework for regulating organ harvesting and transplants in the state. It prohibits unauthorised organ harvesting and bans advertisements for the sale of human organs.
“This legislation protects individuals from exploitation and ensures medical procedures adhere to the highest ethical standards”, he said, adding that violators risk up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of up to N10 million.
Pedro emphasised that the recently signed laws address critical areas of public welfare, human rights, safety, and environmental sustainability.
Noting that they are designed to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the state, the Commissioner said they represent not just milestones in the State’s legislative journey but a clear demonstration of the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that Lagos remains a beacon of progress, justice, and opportunity in Nigeria.
“As a government, our priorities have always been to address the immediate needs of our citizens, protect their rights, and ensure their safety, health, and prosperity,” he said.