BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU/IFEANYI UWAGWU/CHIKA KWAMBA/OGORAMAKA AMOS/RITA OYIBOKA/JUDITH OBIANUA
A quiet, unsettling trend is weaving its way through Nigerian campuses — young women exchanging pieces of their future for a handful of cash. At the University of Ibadan, growing whispers of female students being recruited by individuals, agents, and agencies to donate their eggs for in vitro fertilization have set off alarm bells.
In a cautionary memo, the Director of the University Health Service, Dr Aderonke Ajayi urged students to see beyond the glossy promises. Behind the quick money, she said, lurks a harsher reality: the risk of losing their ability to have children later in life, and the dangerous myth that selling their eggs could be a steady way out of financial hardship.
For Tolani Alonge (not her real name), the need for survival led her down this path. In March 2021, as a final-year student at the Federal Government College of Education, Oshiele, Abeokuta, Tolani walked into a private fertility clinic in Ogun State, encouraged by middlemen who promised it would be easy money. Seven of her eggs were harvested. In return, she received ₦80,000 and a strip of paracetamol tablets. No counselling. No follow-up care. Just the chilling emptiness of wondering what had been taken from her — and what it might cost her later.
Precious Ikechukwu and Theresa Obam were even younger, just 19 and 17 years old, when they found themselves trapped in a similar ordeal. They alleged that a trusted church member lured them with promises of ₦80,000, only to threaten them into silence after the procedure. Their story has sparked an investigation by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
For these young women, the price of economic desperation may yet reveal itself in ways no amount of money can repair. Thus, our correspondents have delved deeper, determined to unmask this growing trend — peeling back the layers to uncover the legality, the hidden brokers, and the far-reaching consequences of selling human eggs.
In Port Harcourt, the disturbing trend continues: young women are selling their ovaries to make ends meet. What was once an unthinkable act has now become a whispered reality in some corners of the city, driven by poverty, desperation, and a lack of opportunities.
The sale of human organs is illegal in Nigeria, yet underground markets thrive, exploiting the vulnerable. While kidney trafficking has been widely reported, the emerging trade in ovaries is particularly shocking.
Ovaries contain eggs, which are valuable for fertility treatments and surrogacy. Unscrupulous agents reportedly approach young women—mostly students, unemployed graduates, and low-income workers—with offers ranging from ₦300,000 to ₦700,000 per ovary or egg extraction according to some sources.
Why are girls selling their ovaries? Nigeria’s economic crisis has hit hard, with inflation soaring and unemployment rates at an all-time high. Many young women see selling their ovaries as a quick way to escape debt or support their families.
“I had no choice,” says Nkechi (not her real name), a 25-year-old who sold her eggs. “My mother was sick, and I needed money for her treatment. A friend told me about an agent who pays girls for their eggs. I didn’t think too much about it—I just needed the money.”
Dr Ngozi Okoro, (not real name) a fertility specialist, warns: “Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a serious risk. These girls are given hormonal supplements to produce multiple eggs, which can cause kidney failure or blood clots. Some may never be able to conceive again the risk is high and lack of awareness is making this slight trade rampant.”
She also noted, “Fertility clinics do not tell the donors the risk involved in the process they are more concerned about the money involved, some of the donors have issues after this process is done and they can’t speak about it.”
Recruiters prey on vulnerable girls, sometimes luring them through social media or campus networks. They promise easy money, downplaying the dangers. “They told me it was safe, that many girls do it and are fine,” says Blessing (not her real name), a 21-year-old student. “But after the procedure, I was in pain for weeks. Now, I regret that’s why I don’t talk about it”
Another respondent who spoke with The Pointer in Rivers State, Adaora tearfully admits: “If I had another option, I would never have done it. But when you’re desperate, you don’t think about tomorrow.”
In an interview with The Pointer in Asaba, Dr Osinachi Okereke argued that there are two sides to the issue: the professional side and the cultural side. ‘’At the heart of it, though, is a growing obsession in our generation with money—so much so that people are now venturing into things they ordinarily wouldn’t, simply to make a quick buck.
‘’It’s a medical solution for couples who can’t conceive naturally—particularly when the woman is unable to produce viable eggs due to conditions like PCOS, premature ovarian failure, or other health complications. In such cases, a donor provides an egg, it’s fertilised with the husband’s sperm, and the woman carries the pregnancy herself. It’s a process grounded in consent and mutual benefit. The couple receives the gift of a child, and the donor is compensated. There’s no ethical issue here as long as everyone involved is informed and consenting.
‘’It’s not unlike sperm donation. Many men donate sperm to help couples struggling with male infertility, especially those dealing with azoospermia (a condition where the man produces no sperm). I donate too, for such cases. So if sperm donation is widely accepted, egg donation shouldn’t be condemned—they are ethically equivalent.
However, culturally, practices like this are often viewed through a critical lens. Religiously, some doctrines outright reject it. For instance, the Catholic Church opposes IVF and related procedures. So people’s views are shaped by their backgrounds, beliefs, and faith traditions.
According to Okereke, another concern is the age and maturity of the donor. ‘’When underage or uninformed girls get involved, it crosses into exploitation. Even if they sign consent forms, the law may not uphold that consent due to their age and understanding. This becomes a serious ethical issue.
‘’Again, money is a major factor. Instead of exploring meaningful, long-term ways to earn, many young women are opting for egg donation simply because it offers quick cash. That’s where the problem lies. If a mature, informed woman is approached by a clinic and decides to donate to help a couple, that’s different. But when young women are actively seeking out clinics to donate just for money, it becomes concerning.
‘’We should be encouraging these girls to pursue more rewarding, sustainable opportunities—paths that build them up in the long run, not short-term cash grabs.’’ He noted that the medical side effects are generally minimal. The egg retrieval process involves minor surgery, often through laparoscopy. While it’s considered safe, like any surgery, there are risks—bleeding, infection, or other complications. But the bigger fear people raise is whether egg donation might “deplete” a woman’s eggs. Scientifically, there’s no evidence supporting that.
‘’Each woman is born with millions of eggs—the ovarian pool. Naturally, women release one or two eggs each month. In egg donation, hormonal stimulation causes more eggs to mature at once—maybe four or five. This isn’t unnatural, as some women naturally produce multiple eggs per cycle. And studies so far haven’t shown that this process hastens egg depletion.
However, he highlighted that the real concern arises when donation becomes routine. ‘’Repeated donation can be ethically troubling. Think of it like accepting a financial gift—it’s okay once, but if it becomes a regular thing, it starts to feel wrong. The same applies here. Doing it once or twice to help someone is understandable. Turning it into a career? That’s a different story.
‘’And yes, broader systemic issues also play a role. The failures of our government, the poor state of the economy, the lack of opportunities, and peer pressure all contribute to why young women turn to this. So we must look beyond individuals and address the structural problems too.
He advised the girls involved—and hospitals noting ‘’Hospitals aren’t necessarily at fault if proper consent is obtained. In medicine, once someone is legally an adult and gives informed consent, the procedure can go ahead. But that doesn’t mean it should be a regular practice. Girls should not make a habit of it, and hospitals should take responsibility for setting boundaries. There should be clear regulations—limits on how often someone can donate, and proper spacing between donations. Maybe once every two or three years, at most. It shouldn’t be something done freely without oversight.’’
He reiterated that while egg donation is medically sound and ethically valid when done properly, it becomes questionable when driven purely by financial desperation or repeated beyond reason. ‘’My advice to young women: if you’re doing it once to help someone, that’s fine. But don’t make it a profession. That’s where the line is crossed—and it turns into something that, in my view, amounts to exploitation and moral decay. Above all, this is a reflection of a deeper issue—the failure of our systems: at home, in our institutions, and within our government.
Speaking with The Pointer in Anambra, Public Health Physician and Family Planning Advocate, Dr Emmanuel Umeh acknowledged that egg donation and IVF have become increasingly accessible in Nigeria.
“Egg donors provide hope to couples battling infertility, which affects about one in four Nigerian couples, largely due to untreated STIs, fibroids, and hormonal issues. Egg donation particularly benefits women with premature ovarian failure or those of advanced maternal age,” he said.
However, he noted that there are health risks involved in egg donation. “For egg donors, the hormonal stimulation process can lead to Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), which can range from mild to life-threatening. There are also concerns about long-term reproductive health, although data is still emerging. IVF recipients risk multiple births, ectopic pregnancies, and the emotional toll of failed cycles. That’s why informed consent, counselling, and screening are crucial before proceeding,” he added.
Dr Umeh revealed that there are significant gaps in Nigeria’s regulation of assisted reproduction. According to him, “Many clinics now scout for donors through social media, universities, or even street agents. These young women, some as young as 19, are enticed by quick money. But the procedure isn’t risk-free. There’s a lack of national regulation, so anyone can call themselves an ‘IVF expert.’
“Most fertility clinics operate without oversight. There is no centralized national registry for egg donors or IVF recipients, and this raises ethical and tracking concerns. Some clinics don’t ensure proper donor anonymity or thorough genetic screening. We need a national ART policy that enforces age limits, donor eligibility, legal contracts, and post-procedure follow-ups,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pastor Raphael Olize of LoveWorld Incorporated, who spoke to The Pointer in Ibadan noted that the church treads cautiously on the issue of IVF and egg donation. “IVF using the couple’s egg and sperm is more acceptable in many Christian circles. But once you bring in third-party donors, you’re inviting confusion. The Bible says, ‘The two shall become one flesh.’ Whose flesh is the child now? A third party?
“That said, we also counsel from a place of love. Many couples are in desperate need of children. But we must ensure science does not override scripture,” he said.
Speaking further, he opined that surrogacy and especially commercial egg donation can turn women into vessels for hire and commodify childbirth. “We remind couples that Abraham and Sarah waited, so can they. Faith must lead, not fear. There’s nothing wrong with seeking medical help, but you must not compromise your values for a child. God is the giver of children, not clinics,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Barr Clara Eze asserted that the legal framework guiding egg donation and IVF in Nigeria remains limited. “In 2014, the National Health Act was enacted. It is currently the only legal framework governing egg donation in Nigeria. But unfortunately, Nigeria still operates in a legal vacuum when it comes to ARTs. It’s a legal no-man’s land.
“There is no comprehensive legislation governing IVF, egg donation, or surrogacy. Clinics operate under contract law and individual ethics. This leaves room for abuse, especially around donor anonymity, parental rights, embryo ownership, and compensation models. We are long overdue for statutory regulation,” she said.
Speaking on the legal challenges in IVF-related cases, she noted: “A major one is parental disputes; who is the legal parent in cases involving donated eggs or surrogates? There’s also a lack of standardized contracts. Some donors later claim parental rights. Others were coerced into the process without full understanding. These are ticking legal time bombs.
“On the other hand, donors are not protected. Most people sign waiver forms that they don’t comprehend. There’s no data privacy law specific to their health information, and no guaranteed medical follow-up. And if complications arise later in life? They’re on their own.
“Meanwhile, by raising awareness, we may soon see cases where donor-conceived individuals demand to know their biological heritage. That opens a complex legal and emotional battle that our courts aren’t prepared for.”
She emphasized that for Nigeria to protect both donors and recipients legally, “We need an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Bill with licensing rules, donor rights, contract templates, and enforcement mechanisms. Clinics must ensure informed consent, mandatory genetic screening, psychological counselling, and data protection. And we need to criminalize exploitative practices like underage egg harvesting or coerced surrogacy.”
According to the Assistant Chief Nursing Officer of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Asaba, Urhobotie Ngozi, ‘’this situation is a case of increase in poverty level in our society. It’s geared towards money-making. However, there are implications to the act which could be immediate or later.
‘’The reason young girls sell their eggs is to make money. Ovum donation is supposed to be done out of charity; where an individual presents herself and offers to donate her ovum, a way to help in solving fertility problems with couples that have difficulties getting their children.
‘’Ovum donation procedure is a minor surgical procedure that may cost, N100k. The donor is given some hormonal therapy to increase the number of eggs that she can produce in a month as against the usual one egg. This exposes her to undue cell proliferation in other surrounding organs/tissues.
‘’The donor is subjected to a surgical procedure (transvaginal) which may lead to bleeding (internal or external), possibility of surrounding organs damage that may result in major surgery etc. Also, individuals who donate eggs frequently as against three to six-month intervals are at risk of losing their eggs. As a result, they face early menopause, menstrual irregularities, and hormonal imbalances, among others.
From Abuja, a medical practitioner, Oikeh Oje said ‘’Most persons sell their ovaries for money, even though no price is tagged on it, stating it is not legal. According to another doctor, Sam Odogwu, ‘’People can donate their eggs but in some countries like the UK where it is illegal. As a doctor, I can only provide information that is legal and permitted. My take is that it is illegal in Nigeria and anyone doing such should know that and be ready for the consequences.
From a legal practitioner: Bar StellaMaris Mejulu, ‘’It is part of organ harvesting so it’s not legal, especially when it’s not an adult. Another respondent and legal practitioner, Patrick Briggs, ‘’ Things like eggs and sperm are viewed as “property” law. They are different from your body parts because they can exist independently of the individual.
‘’So technically, your question bothers on “property rights. Having said that, the owner of a property has the right to discard it the way he likes, although given the unique nature of this property, some ethical questions remain.
‘’But in general, if a young girl consents to dispose of her eggs for remuneration (payment)….. What she has entered into is a contract and like all contracts, when there is a breach, there is a remedy. She can sue for “specific performance” meaning for payment of her money. However, remember I told you this “property” is unique.
It’s not like a piece of land or a car. So whether or not the court will order for specific performance will be dependent on whether or not the purpose for the sale of the egg is ethical. Let’s say it’s for bio-research, the next question will be is that doctor or hospital licensed for such? Did they obtain approval? Is the purpose of the research against our laws? If it turns out that neither of these is true…. You can ask a court to enforce an illegal contract.
‘’Two thieves can agree amongst themselves to rob a bank and share their loot 50/50. Then if one cheats the other, the cheated one can’t approach a court and ask for a specific performance. But if it’s let’s say a girl selling her eggs to a couple struggling with fertility, I don’t see why that is a problem under our laws. It’s her property.
‘’On whether there should be a law regulating eligibility to prevent abuse, I am not aware of such a law. If you ask me, the appropriate place to find out will be with the Nigerian Medical Association. However, I don’t think it’s illicit. It’s almost in the same line as surrogacy. I suspect there will be rules. I am not just aware of them.
‘’But in general, this falls under property rights. For example, aborted babies fall under “medical waste.” Which is why a girl can’t demand for her aborted child’s body. The hospital has a legal right to determine how best to dispose of the corpse. So medical law varies.
