Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has raised concern over reports that some young Nigerians are allegedly considering or selling their kidneys as a desperate way to survive the country’s economic hardship.
Atiku described the reports as deeply disturbing, arguing that young Nigerians should be using their talents, ideas and creativity to build their futures—not being pushed into desperate decisions involving their own bodies.
In a statement shared on Friday, Atiku said he had heard what he described as disturbing stories about the extent to which young Nigerians are being pushed simply to survive.
He particularly pointed to reports of people allegedly selling kidneys to raise money.
According to Atiku, young Nigerians should be “selling dreams, ideas and innovation, not their body organs.”
Atiku linked the alleged situation to the country’s cost-of-living crisis.
He pointed to the rising costs of basic necessities, including food, transportation, rent, school fees, medicine and electricity, saying these pressures are making life increasingly difficult for many Nigerians.
He also referred to reports that some Nigerians were allegedly being offered as little as ₦1.7 million for a kidney.
However, that specific figure has not been independently verified, according to PUNCH.
The former Vice President argued that when young people begin to see their body organs as a possible source of emergency income, the country is facing a much deeper problem.
He said the government should focus not only on preventing illegal organ trafficking but also on addressing the economic desperation that can leave vulnerable people open to exploitation.
Atiku called for policies that would make essential goods and services more affordable while creating opportunities for young Nigerians to work, build businesses and pursue their ambitions.
He also noted that Nigerian laws already prohibit commercial organ sales and organ trafficking, but argued that enforcement alone cannot solve the poverty and desperation that may make vulnerable people targets for criminal networks.
Whether every claim circulating about kidney sales is accurate or not, the conversation has raised an important question about the level of economic pressure facing vulnerable Nigerians.
Young people should have opportunities to build their future—not feel that selling part of their body is their only way out of financial difficulty.
The issue is now generating debate as Nigerians continue to discuss the country’s economy and what should be done to ease the pressure on ordinary citizens.
What do you think about Atiku’s statement?
Do you believe economic hardship is becoming too severe for Nigerian youths?
Share your thoughts responsibly in the comments.
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