Lagos State Attorney-General Announces Signing of Landmark Laws, Including Ban on Illegal Organ Harvesting
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro, SAN, has announced that the Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Bill has been officially signed into law, marking a significant step in the fight against illegal organ harvesting.
Pedro made the announcement on Thursday at the Ministry of Justice in Alausa, Ikeja, while briefing the press on the new law and four other recently enacted legislative measures.
Pedro explained that the signing of these laws by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reflects the state government’s continued commitment to the welfare, security, and prosperity of every Lagosian. In addition to the Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Law, the other newly signed laws include the Consumer Protection Law, Lagos Enforcement Training Institute Law, Victims Assistance and Witness Protection Law, and Fire and Rescue Service Law.
“These laws are not just milestones in the state’s legislative journey,” Pedro stated. “They demonstrate our unwavering commitment to ensuring that Lagos remains a beacon of progress, justice, and opportunity in Nigeria.” He emphasized that these new laws focus on critical issues such as public welfare, human rights, safety, and environmental sustainability, which are essential for a just, secure, and prosperous future for all Lagos residents.
Pedro went on to elaborate on the importance of the newly signed Lagos Consumer Protection Law. He noted that as Lagos continues to thrive as a commercial hub, it is crucial that residents’ rights are protected. The law empowers consumers to hold businesses accountable, and violations could lead to penalties including the sealing of premises selling hazardous products, fines of up to N5 million, and custodial sentences of up to six months. Subsequent offenders face even stricter fines and longer sentences.
Of particular significance is the new Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Law, which aims to address the illegal organ trade and unethical medical practices in the state. Pedro described it as a groundbreaking framework to regulate organ harvesting and transplantation, stressing that the law prohibits organ harvesting without proper authorization and bans the advertisement of human organs for sale. “This legislation protects individuals from exploitation and ensures that medical procedures adhere to the highest ethical standards,” he said. Violators of this law could face up to 10 years in prison or fines of up to N10 million.
The Attorney-General also touched on the remaining three new laws, urging residents to familiarize themselves with them and engage in their active enforcement to ensure the continued development and safety of the state.
