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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*Rt. Hon Kwamoti Bitrus Laori Visits NDA and DICON Kaduna*

 

The member representing Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency in the National Assembly and member of the House of Representatives' Committee on Defence went on familiarization visit to the Nigerian Defence Academy, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria and other defense formations in Kaduna. 

The law maker described the visit as quite revealing of the enormous potentials as well as the challenges that Nigeria's defence sector is confronted with, promises to act within the legislative framework to improve the system.

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*Flood Victims in Mbemun Community Receives Food and Non-Food Intervention from Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori .*

The member representing Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency provided relief materials to palliate the suffering of the flood victims in the community.

Represented by Hon. Innocent Koto and Daniel Bulus, Chairmen of Numan and Lamirde LGCs, Rt. Hon. Kwamoti sympathized with the victims, especially those who lost farms or rendered homeless by the flood. 

In their seperate remarks, the duo of Hon. Innocent and Bulus also expressed their sympathy, encouraged the people to take it as an act of God and believe only Him is able to compensate or restore the loses incurred. 

Receiving the items which includes Rice, Sugar, Blankets, Spaghetti, Macaroni, Mats, Garri and Vegetable Oil on behalf of the community, Hama Mbemun, Chief Mathias Peter appreciates the Federal Law Maker for his timely intervention and responsive representation.

He further prayed God to bless the Rt. Hon and his representatives.

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*Status of Federal University of Education Numan Establishment Bill in the House of Representatives.*

Recall that the Bill for an act to provide for the establishment of Federal University of Education Numan, sponsored by Distinguished Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe at the Senate and by Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori at the House of Representatives was passed in the 9th Assembly but could not be assented to by the then President Mohammadu Buhari GCFR.

At the commencement of the 10th Assembly, the Bill was reintroduced again by the duo of Distinguished Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe at the Senate and Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori at the House of Representatives as is the tradition of the National Assembly. A Bill must be passed by the two chambers before it becomes a Law. 

In the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Kwamoti B Laori applied Order 12, Rule 17 of the House Standing Orders to allow Bills from preceding Assembly to be Regazette and got approval for the Bill to be presented as House Bill (HB)936. 

The Bill was read the first time on 16th November, 2023 and committed to the Committee of the whole for consideration. 

After intense lobbying, the House Committee of the whole presented it's report on the 9th October, 2024 and on Thursday 10th October, 2024 the Bill was read the third time and passed. 

At the passage of the Bill today by the two Chambers of the National Assembly, the clerk of the House of Reps would communicate it's passage to the Clerk of the National Assembly whose duty it is to communicate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, HE. Ahmed Bola Tinubu (GCFR) for assent. 

While we commend the efforts of Senator Binos and Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori as well as all the legislators from Adamawa state in both chambers for their support for the Bill to be passed, it is not Uhuru. 

At this point, I wish to call on all well meaning indigenes of Adamawa state, starting from our dynamic Governor, HE. Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the National Security Adviser, the Hon. Minister of Education, all Members of the National Assembly from Adamawa state, both past and present, the former Vice President, Former SGFs, Head of Service, all First ClassTraditional Rulers, friends of Adamawa State like the President of the Senate, and all well wishers, regardless of party or any temporal difference to work towards ensuring the Bill is assented to by the President and Commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

KBL feedback media writes from House of Reps. Abuja.

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NEED TO EXPEDITE RECONSTRUCTION OF WASHED-OUT BRIDGE ALONG NUMAN-GOMBE ROAD TO SAVE LIVES, BOOST SOCIO-ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES AND END THE PLIGHT OF COMMUTERS IN ADAMAWA STATE

By Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori

The House 

Notes that the heavy downpours that caused flooding in parts of Adamawa State also washed-out a bridge in Boshikiri Community, along Numan - Gombe Road on Thursday, 19th September, 2024 and resulted to a total halt in vehicular movement along the axis for days, with adverse effect on the socio-economic activities in the northeast sub-region;

Also Notes that the temporary alternative provided for stranded commuters to use after the wash-out is completely destroyed on Sunday, October 6, 2024, leaving no alternative for commuters traveling to and from Gombe State and other states in the Northeast, due to the increased rains that caused severe flooding in the area; 

Aware that not only has the collapsed bridge negatively impacted commercial activities along the road, it has also resulted in significant losses for humans, animals, and goods, as well as trauma and stress. As a result of trucks transporting animals and perishable goods becoming stuck in the area, patients with emergency medical conditions run the risk of dying on the spot;

Concerned that the Numan-Lafiya potion of the ongoing Numan-Gombe road construction has lingered for almost a decade now, even though same project has steadily enjoyed budgetary allocations for all the number of years it lasted;

Worried that the worst areas, starting from the washed-out bridge to Lafiya-Lamurde, would constitute a major setback to commuters and businesses due to the glacial pace of the road project execution, if not accelerated, and that as a result, the socioeconomic prosperity of the northeast sub-region would continue to suffer hence;

Resolves to:

Mandate the Committee on Works to ensure speedy reconstruction of the washed-out bridge, address the cause of delay in completion of the Numan-Gombe road.

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Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori mourns Late Senator Dr. Silas Jonathan Zwingina

 

It is with a heavy heart that I write this tribute on behalf of my family and the people of Demsa/Numan/Lamurde in honor of a visionary leader, an intellectual and unrepentant democrat whose passing away has left an indelible void in our hearts in Numan Federation, Adamawa State and indeed our nation Nigeria.

Late Senator Dr. Zwingina was not just a politician; he was a beacon of hope for many. Throughout his distinguished career, as an academic turned politician he exemplified commitment, and an unwavering dedication to democracy. His tenure in the Nigerian Senate was marked by a relentless pursuit of progress, known for his vibrant contributions to debates on national issues touching development. He understood that true leadership meant not just representing the people but advocating fiercely for their needs and aspirations. 

Dr. Zwingina’s profound impact extended beyond the legislative chambers. He was a mentor to many, inspiring countless young leaders with his wisdom and experience. Understanding that the future of our nation lies in the hands of its youth. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Senator Dr. Jonathan Silas Zwingina’s commitment to building a better Nigeria was unwavering. He believed in the potential of our great nation and worked tirelessly to realize that vision. His contributions to national development will be remembered as a testament to his belief in the possibility of a brighter future for all Nigerians.

As we join the Nungurabas world wide and the immediate family to bid farewell to this extraordinary leader, let us carry forward his legacy of service, compassion, and a very high sense of humor and laughter capable of lighting up the darkest of rooms. Let us honor his memory by striving to embody the values he stood for—unity, progress, and dedication to nation building.

Distinguished Senator, my Big brother, your spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of those you touched; your leadership and unwavering faith in Nigerian democracy will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

Rest in peace. 

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Reps to Probe Alleged Gross Inefficiency in NHIA Operations

 

Dehumanising treatment of enrollees, shortage of necessary medications & consumables in most HMOs require an investigation – Hon. Kwamoti Lauri

The House of Representatives has ordered its committee on Healthcare Services and Legislative Compliance to investigate allegations of gross inefficiency in the operation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and recommend ways of making the scheme more efficient and effective for the Nigerian people.

This followed a motion by Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus Lauri, representative of Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency of Adamawa. alleging extremely poor service from Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) as well as private and public healthcare facilitates.

Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori, representing Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency of Adamawa State

The lawmaker said that the National Health Insurance Act (NHIA) 2022, which replaced the National Health Insurance Scheme Act, seeks to promote, regulate, and integrate health insurance schemes, secure mandatory health insurance for every Nigerian and legal resident, and establish a fund for subsidy on health insurance coverage for vulnerable persons and payment of health insurance premiums for indigents.

He said that since the passage of the National Health Insurance Act of 2022, the scheme has enjoyed the cooperation of the National Assembly in terms of annual budgetary allocations for it to perform optimally in delivering its mandate to Nigerians, with the primary objective to ensure affordability of health care for all, especially the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians.

He is worried about the growing allegations of abysmal service expressed by Nigerians with different unpleasant accounts of frustrations and dehumanised treatments in various HMOs across the nation;

He said that unchecked behaviour of this kind would amount to fraud and a gross disservice to the Nigerian citizens on whose behalf the government is funding the programme, as well as further eroding the citizens’ faith in the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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*Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori attends training on Digital Innovation and Strategy at Kigali, Rwanda.*

 

Rep. Member representing Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency and member of House of Representatives' Committee on Digital and Electronic Banking received intensive training on "Digital Innovation and Strategy: Navigating the future of Finance".

It was an intensive training aimed at exposing the committee members to the intricate working of digital and electronic financial institutions, their operations and future innovations in the sector based on forecasts by global finance institutions and it's implications for Africa and Nigeria's economy. 

Hon. Kwamoti also received special recognition and honors for active participation and intelligent contributions at the end of the training held at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Kigali, the Rwandan Capital City. 

Pictures from the event

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