Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the economic situation in Nigeria, alleging that severe financial pressure is forcing some young people to sell their kidneys in order to survive.
Atiku made the claim in a statement posted on X on Thursday, where he described reports of organ sales among Nigerian youths as alarming.
He said stories reaching him suggested that some young Nigerians were taking extreme measures to raise money as the cost of basic necessities continues to rise.
The former Vice President maintained that a country with a large youth population should be encouraging entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation rather than witnessing young people allegedly parting with their organs because of poverty.
Atiku placed responsibility for the hardship on the economic direction of President Bola Tinubu’s government.
He said the prices of food, transportation, accommodation, education, medicines and electricity had placed increasing pressure on families and young Nigerians.
Atiku further alleged that kidneys were being sold for amounts as low as ₦1.7 million.
He did not, however, provide a source for the figure or identify any official data supporting the claim.
The reported amount has therefore not been independently established based on the material available.
Atiku described the situation as unacceptable, saying young Nigerians should have opportunities to earn from their talents and ideas instead of being driven into desperate choices.
He said the alleged trend should concern every Nigerian and prompt greater attention to the economic pressures facing young people.
The former Vice President’s remarks come amid wider criticism from opposition figures over inflation, household expenses and the broader effect of government economic reforms.
