Nigeria faces cultural debate over organ donation

Organ donation remains a subject of significant debate in Nigeria, driven by cultural misconceptions and spiritual fears. Many communities hold beliefs that the human body must remain intact to ensure proper reincarnation or a smooth transition into the spiritual world. Some view post-mortem organ donation as a sign of disrespect toward ancestors or a cause of permanent spiritual deformity.

Nigeria’s history with transplantation began with theoretical concepts in 1980, leading to the nation’s first successful kidney transplant on March 6, 2000, at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos. This procedure was performed by a medical team including Dr. Ebun Bamgboye and Dr. Ayo Shonibare, using a kidney from a living relative.

The World Health Organization emphasizes that transplantation must rely on voluntary, non-remunerated donations and strictly condemns organ trafficking and commercialization.