Reps Task Health Ministry to Halt Illegal Harvesting & Commercialisation of Human Eggs in Nigeria

 

The House of Representatives on Thursday tasked the Ministry of Health; Women Affairs, and Information and National Orientation to intensify effort to halt the growing illegal harvesting and commercialisation of human eggs in Nigeria.

The House's resolution was sequel to the motion by Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus La’ori, representative of Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency of Adamawa State.

Presenting the motion, La'ori who is the  Chairman House Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa noted that the commercialization of human eggs, particularly in the context of illegal harvesting, poses significant ethical, legal, and health concerns globally,

He said  in Nigeria, the issue has gained prominence due to a growing demand for assisted reproductive technologies amid insufficient regulations.

He said  that Nigeria's healthcare system, particularly reproductive health, is still evolving coupled with  increasing infertility rates among couples seeking assisted reproductive treatments, thus leading to a flourishing market for human eggs.

La'ori expressed concern that the demand for human eggs has led to exploitative practices such as illegal egg harvesting and commercialization, often targeting vulnerable women, particularly poor teenagers unaware of the 

risks involved.

He said  in 2021, Nigerian authorities discovered an illegal egg harvesting scheme in Lagos, where a network of medical professionals and agents lured young women, mostly students or low-income earners, with the assurance of monetary rewards for their eggs, reportedly, women received between N200, 000 and N500, 000, or $120 to $300, for their participation which is below international pricing standards.

The lawmaker noted that a large number of women had little knowledge about the medical procedures, potential health risks, and ethical implications of egg donation, some experienced ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS) and other serious health issues after harvest; a woman's complications during an operation at a local clinic led to an investigation by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

He further expressed concern that in 2022, an Abuja-based fertility clinic was found involved in the illegal commercialization of human eggs to foreign clients, enrolling women under false claims of being part of legitimate egg donation programs. Reports suggest the clinic's online platform is inflating egg prices for international couples, underscoring the need for robust Nigerian regulatory frameworks to regulate fertility practices.

He said that the absence of comprehensive legislation governing reproductive health in Nigeria has 

allowed these illegal activities to thrive. While the National Health Act provides some guidelines for reproductive health, specific regulations regarding egg donation and commercialization are lacking;

He lamented that due to the effects of the worsening economic situation in the country, this illegal practice has thrived, with many young women seeking financial relief falling prey to unscrupulous practitioners who exploit their desperation for financial relief, ignoring the health risks associated with 

egg retrieval procedures as well as the unethical commodification of human life and the psychological  impact on donors.

In adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Development, and the Ministry of Women Affairs  to create support systems for women who have participated in egg donation to help address health complications and psychological impacts;

The House also urged the Ministry of Health and Social Development, and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation to intensify public awareness initiatives focusing on the risks and ethical considerations of egg donation to help inform potential donors and discourage exploitation;

The House  mandated its Committee on Healthcare Services to investigate the spate of illegal egg donation and 

practice of assisted reproductive health technologies in Nigeria, recommend measures to prevent further incidents and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

It also  mandated its  Committees on Healthcare Services and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

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*Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B Laori in Collaboration with NEMA Distributes Relief Items to Victims of Flood in Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency* .

The law maker representing Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chief Kwamoti B Laori in addition to moving several motions of urgent public importance on the perennial flood disaster that has plagued the people of his constituency for decades also ensure that victims receive some form of palliatives from the federal government. 

It's in this line that yesterday being Thursday 14th November, 2024 the law maker distributed relief materials which consist of Rice, Maize, Vegetable Oil, Seasoning, Tomato Paste, nylon mats and blankets to victims of flood disaster mostly communities along the banks of River Benue in Adamawa State. 

The federal law maker was represented by Dr. Dishi Khobe, Special Adviser to the Adamawa State Governor on food security, Rep. Kwamoti charged the committee members selected to convey the items to the affected communities to be honest and humane in the distribution, ensure that all affected persons benefits from the gesture by the law maker and the federal government. 

The NEMA head of operations Yola, Mr. Ladan Ayuba thank the member for always standing up for his people not only in the green chamber but also reaching out to government agencies to ensure his people benefit from the federal government in terms of relief and other developmental projects. 

Also charged the distribution committee made up of credible men to ensure the palliative materials provided reaches the target victims. 

The flag off distribution was witnessed by Hon. James Iliya, State Commissioner for information and strategy, Hon. Bulus Daniel, Chairman of Lamurde LGA, Hon. Innocent Koto, Chairman Numan LGA, Hon. Chief Niwesa George Kushi, Board Chairman, Jimeta Modern Market, Engr Garba Lyentapwa Gbiawan, Chairman Adamawa State Road Maintenance Agency and host of others including heads of security services and the press.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Hon. Lot Titus pledged to ensure the items reaches the targeted beneficiaries, also thanked the law maker for always responding to the plight of his constituents by bringing succur to the people. 

The committee prayed God to keep Hon. Kwamoti safe and strong to continue to deliver democracy dividends to the people of his constituency.

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*Rep. Kwamoti B. Laori trains Youth on Peace Building and Resilience in Numan gifted 100 thousand Naira to each participant* .

 

In his effort to transform the youth of his constituency to peace builders and advocates,  Rep Kwamoti sponsors the training and empowerment of 150 Youths in Numan. 

Recall that barely 2 months ago the law maker trained women on similar theme and empowered them with cash donations of Hundred Thousand Naira each to boost their economy. 

The training of Women and youth was preceded by the training of community based structures and institutions, such as the traditional leaders, religious leaders, youth groups and other interest groups. 

The participants were drawn mostly from communities that have experienced one form of violent conflict or the other, such as pastoralist and crop farmers conflicts and communal or ethno-religious clashes. 

The training according to Rt Hon. Kwamoti is aimed at fostering peace, security and understanding among constituents and building their capacity to understand the nature and consequences of violent conflicts and the strategies of mitigation. 

The 3Days training which had in attendance youth from across the 30 Wards of Demsa/Numan/Lamurde federal constituency offered opportunity for participants to share their experience, coping mechanism and resilience also  afforded them new orientation towards conflict prevention, resolution and resilience. 

The closing ceremony saw participants received donations of One Hundred Thousand Naira each to enable them rebuild their livelihoods in a sustainable manner. 

Those in attendance at the closing ceremony includes the Adamawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Chairmen of Demsa, Numan and Lamurde LGAs, the Special adviser to the Adamawa State Governor on food security, staff of ICPC, Adamawa State, the training facilitator, Dr. Okafor Gerrard if the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution, Abuja, the District Head of Numan Chief Maidan Tusayi, Chairmen of PDP, Chairmen of Christian Association of Nigeria and Muslim Council's of the 3 LGAs as well as security services and the press. 

Responding on behalf of the participants Gbasham and Zakiru applauded the effort of the member towards promoting peace and security in the area also prayed God to continue to endow the member with wisdom to lead the constituency to greater heights.

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