Lagos State has signed five groundbreaking laws aimed at protecting its residents from illegal organ trade, consumer fraud, and other critical safety concerns.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, unveiled the new legislative package on Thursday, highlighting a comprehensive approach to addressing some of the most pressing social and ethical challenges facing the state’s 23 million residents.
At the heart of the new legislation is the Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Law, a pioneering framework designed to combat the growing threat of illegal organ harvesting. The law introduces stringent penalties for those involved in illicit organ trade, including potential prison sentences of up to 10 years and fines reaching N10 million.
“This law aims to protect individuals from exploitation and ensures that medical procedures follow the highest ethical standards,” Pedro explained during a briefing at the Ministry of Justice in Alausa, Ikeja.
The new legal arsenal extends far beyond organ transplantation, encompassing four additional laws that collectively represent what Pedro calls “a strong commitment to ensuring that Lagos remains a model of progress, justice, and opportunity in Nigeria.”
Among the newly signed legislation are the Consumer Protection Law, Lagos Enforcement Training Institute Law, Victims Assistance and Witness Protection Laws, and Fire and Rescue Service Law.
The Consumer Protection Law particularly stands out, empowering residents to hold businesses accountable for unethical practices. Businesses found violating consumer rights could face severe consequences, including premise sealing, fines up to N5 million, and imprisonment for up to six months.
“These laws are more than just legislative achievements,” Pedro stated. “They represent our strong commitment to ensuring the immediate needs of our citizens, protecting their rights, and ensuring their safety, health, and prosperity.”
The organ harvesting law is particularly significant, introducing unprecedented regulatory measures to prevent the unethical sale and harvesting of human organs. It explicitly prohibits organ harvesting without proper authorisation and bans advertisements for organ sales.
Pedro urged Lagos residents to familiarise themselves with the new laws and actively participate in their enforcement.
Featured image: The Mirror
Follow the AkweyaTV channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7m7dvJuyA7h5XMc22i
