“In Tinubu’s Nigeria, young people are selling their kidneys for ₦1.7m to survive” — Atiku Abubakar

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over reports of young Nigerians reportedly selling their kidneys amid worsening economic hardship and the rising cost of living under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

In a lengthy social media post, Atiku said it was disturbing that some young people were reportedly becoming so desperate that they considered selling parts of their bodies to raise money.

Atiku laments growing desperation among Nigerian youths

The former presidential candidate said young Nigerians should be pursuing careers, building businesses and developing innovative ideas rather than considering the sale of their body organs.

He argued that the country’s difficult economic conditions had pushed many citizens into desperate situations, making previously unimaginable decisions appear like possible options.

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

He linked the alleged growing desperation to Nigeria’s rising cost of living, noting that essential expenses continued to increase.

According to him, food, transportation, rent, school fees, medicine and electricity had become increasingly expensive for ordinary Nigerians.

‘Young Nigerians should not see kidneys as emergency savings’

Atiku expressed particular concern over reports that some young people were allegedly willing to sell kidneys for as little as ₦1.7 million.

He described the situation as a troubling reflection of the level of economic desperation facing the country’s younger generation.

“When young Nigerians begin to see their kidneys as emergency savings, we are no longer talking about ordinary economic hardship.

We are talking about desperation at its most frightening.”

The former Vice President acknowledged that Nigerian laws prohibit commercial organ trading and organ trafficking.

However, he argued that legislation alone could not address the poverty and desperation that could make vulnerable people targets for criminal networks.

Atiku criticises Tinubu administration’s economic reforms

The opposition politician also took a swipe at President Bola Tinubu’s administration, arguing that economic reforms should be judged by their impact on ordinary Nigerians.

He said no government should celebrate reforms while citizens were allegedly being pushed into extreme measures to afford basic necessities.

Atiku called for economic policies that would make food, transportation, healthcare and other essential services more affordable.

“Economic reform must have a human face. It must mean affordable food, cheaper transportation, accessible healthcare, decent jobs and renewed hope for the next generation.”

He maintained that Nigerian youths should be known globally for their talents, innovation and entrepreneurship rather than being driven by hardship to consider selling body organs.

Atiku concluded his post with a direct criticism of the current administration and a promise to pursue policies aimed at reducing living costs.

“This is the human cost of Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis.

Tinubu made Nigeria expensive. I will make Nigeria affordable again. -AA”

His comments have added to the growing political debate surrounding Nigeria’s economic reforms, inflation and the financial pressures facing millions of households across the country.

Watch the video here…

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