Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over reports that some young Nigerians are resorting to selling their kidneys in desperate attempts to cope with the country’s rising cost of living.
Atiku described the reports as “horrifying”, arguing that young Nigerians should be pursuing careers, building businesses and developing innovative ideas rather than considering the sale of their body organs as a means of survival.
According to the former vice president, some young Nigerians are reportedly being offered as little as ₦1.7 million for a kidney amid increasing financial pressure.
“Young people should be selling dreams, ideas and innovation, not their body organs,” Atiku said.
He linked the reported desperation to rising costs of essential goods and services, including food, transportation, housing, education, healthcare and electricity.
Atiku argued that when young people begin to consider their organs as a source of emergency income, it reflects a deeper economic crisis that requires urgent government attention.
‘Laws alone cannot solve the problem’
The former vice president noted that Nigeria already has laws prohibiting commercial organ sales and organ trafficking.
However, he said legislation alone would not address the economic desperation that could make vulnerable people susceptible to exploitation by criminal networks.
Atiku called for economic policies that would improve living conditions and create greater opportunities for young Nigerians.
He said meaningful economic reform should translate into more affordable food and transportation, accessible healthcare, decent employment opportunities and renewed hope for young people.
Atiku attacks Tinubu’s economic policies
The statement also contained a direct criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Atiku argued that the rising cost of living showed that the impact of economic reforms must be measured by how ordinary Nigerians are able to live, rather than by economic indicators alone.
He concluded with a campaign-style promise, saying:
“Tinubu made Nigeria expensive. I will make Nigeria affordable again.”
The statement adds the rising cost of living and youth welfare to the growing political debate ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
