Nigeria's 2027 Elections : Atiku Decries Reports of Nigerians Selling Kidneys Amid Economic Hardship

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over reports that some young Nigerians are allegedly resorting to selling their kidneys in desperate attempts to survive the country’s worsening economic crisis.

Atiku expressed his concern in a post on his official X account, describing the reports as a disturbing indication of the level of desperation confronting vulnerable Nigerians.

According to the former vice president, young Nigerians should be using their talents, ideas and innovation to build their futures rather than considering the sale of body organs as a means of raising money.

I have heard disturbing stories about the extent to which young Nigerians are being driven simply to survive. Perhaps the most horrifying are the growing reports of young people selling parts of their bodies: kidneys in particular, in desperate attempts to raise money.

Young… pic.twitter.com/9iwjyrFv75

— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) September 4, 2026

“Young people should be selling dreams, ideas and innovation, not their body organs.”

Atiku: The Situation Goes Beyond Ordinary Economic Hardship

Atiku said reports that some young Nigerians could be selling their kidneys for as little as ₦1.7 million should concern the entire country.

He argued that when people begin to view an organ such as a kidney as a source of emergency income, the situation has gone beyond normal economic hardship.

“When young Nigerians begin to see their kidneys as emergency savings, we are no longer talking about ordinary economic hardship,” Atiku said, describing the situation as “desperation at its most frightening.”

Former VP Blames Rising Cost of Living

Atiku linked the alleged development to the rising cost of essential goods and services, including food, transportation, rent, school fees, healthcare and electricity.

He criticized the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu's administration, arguing that reforms should take into account the impact they have on ordinary Nigerians.

The former vice president said young Nigerians should instead be building careers, establishing businesses, raising families and pursuing innovative ideas.

Calls for Human-Focused Economic Reforms

Atiku acknowledged that Nigeria already has laws prohibiting commercial organ sales and organ trafficking, but argued that legislation alone would not eliminate the poverty and desperation that can leave vulnerable people exposed to exploitation.

He called for economic policies that would make basic necessities more affordable while creating decent employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

According to Atiku, meaningful economic reform should translate into affordable food, cheaper transportation, accessible healthcare, decent jobs and renewed hope for the younger generation.

A Wider Warning About Youth Desperation

The former vice president's comments have reignited debate over Nigeria's cost-of-living crisis and its impact on young people.

While reports of organ sales should be independently investigated rather than accepted without verification, Atiku's central argument is that severe financial pressure can expose vulnerable citizens to dangerous forms of exploitation.

His remarks also come as Nigeria heads toward the 2027 general elections, with economic conditions expected to remain a major issue in political debates.

For millions of young Nigerians, the challenge remains finding sustainable employment and income opportunities in an economy where the cost of basic necessities continues to put pressure on household finances.

Atiku's message was clear: Nigerian youths should be given an environment where they can monetize their skills, creativity and ideas—not be driven by desperation to consider selling parts of their bodies.

Editor’s Note

The claim that Nigerians are selling kidneys for specific amounts should be treated cautiously unless independently verified. This report reflects Atiku Abubakar’s publicly stated concerns and does not establish that kidney sales are occurring at the scale suggested.

Source: Vanguard, The Guardian Nigeria, PUNCH.