Lagos Enacts Law To Curb Illegal Organ Harvesting
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has announced the enactment of the Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Law and four other significant laws aimed at protecting the rights, safety, and welfare of Lagosians. He disclosed this during a press briefing at the Ministry of Justice in Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday.
Mr. Pedro revealed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed these laws into effect, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to fostering justice, security, and prosperity across the state. The new laws include:
1.Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Law
2.Consumer Protection Law
3.Lagos Enforcement Training Institute Law
4.Victims Assistance and Witness Protection Law
5.Fire and Rescue Service Law
Key Highlights of the Laws
Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Law
This groundbreaking legislation prohibits illegal organ harvesting and unethical medical practices. It provides a framework for regulating organ transplantation, ensuring procedures comply with ethical standards.
“This law protects individuals from exploitation and bans unauthorised organ harvesting and advertisements for the sale of human organs. Violators face penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment or fines of up to N10 million,” Pedro stated.
Consumer Protection Law
The Consumer Protection Law enhances the rights of Lagos residents by holding businesses accountable for their products and services. The law empowers authorities to shut down premises selling hazardous products and imposes penalties of up to N5 million for violations.
Offenders may face custodial sentences of six months or fines of N500,000, while repeat offenders risk fines of up to N750,000 and longer prison terms.
Other Laws
•Lagos Enforcement Training Institute Law: Focuses on capacity-building for law enforcement officers to ensure professionalism and efficiency in service delivery.
•Victims Assistance and Witness Protection Law: Provides safeguards for crime victims and witnesses, ensuring their safety and encouraging active participation in the justice process.
•Fire and Rescue Service Law: Strengthens fire safety protocols and enhances the operational capacity of the state’s emergency services.
A Commitment to Progress
“These laws are not just milestones in the state’s legislative journey; they demonstrate our unwavering commitment to making Lagos a beacon of progress, justice, and opportunity in Nigeria,” Pedro affirmed.
The Attorney-General called on residents to familiarize themselves with the new laws and actively participate in their enforcement. He emphasized that these laws were thoughtfully designed to address pressing societal challenges and create a safer, more prosperous future for all Lagosians.
