The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro (SAN), announced that the Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Bill has been enacted to outlaw illegal organ harvesting.

Mr. Pedro made this announcement on Thursday at the Ministry of Justice in Alausa, Ikeja, during a press briefing regarding the importance of this new legislation along with four others.

He stated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State endorsed these new laws to reaffirm the administration's dedication to the welfare, security, and prosperity of all residents of Lagos.

The additional four laws include the Consumer Protection Law, the Lagos Enforcement Training Institute Laws, the Victims Assistance and Witness Protection Laws, and the Fire and Rescue Service Laws.

He remarked, “These laws represent significant milestones in the legislative progress of the state; they reflect our steadfast commitment to ensuring that Lagos continues to be a symbol of progress, justice, and opportunity within Nigeria.

“Our government has consistently prioritized addressing the immediate needs of our citizens, safeguarding their rights, and ensuring their safety, health, and prosperity.

“In this context, the newly enacted laws address critical aspects of public welfare, human rights, safety, and environmental sustainability.

“These laws have been carefully crafted to confront some of the most urgent challenges facing our state while laying the groundwork for a more just, secure, and prosperous future for all Lagos residents.”

The Attorney-General further elaborated that the Lagos Consumer Protection Agency Law marks a significant advancement in the enhancement of consumer rights within the state.

As Lagos continues to establish itself as a center for commerce and trade, it is essential to protect the interests of its residents. 

He emphasized the significance of the Lagos Consumer Protection Agency Law as a pivotal advancement in safeguarding these interests. 

“With Lagos flourishing as a commercial hub, it is vital that we uphold the rights of our citizens. 

“This legislation empowers consumers to demand accountability from businesses and guarantees rigorous enforcement of their rights. 

“Any breach of this law grants authorities the power to shut down establishments selling dangerous products and imposes fines of up to N5 million for such violations. 

“Offenders may face penalties that include a six-month prison sentence or a fine of N500,000, with repeat offenders subject to harsher consequences, including fines reaching N750,000 and longer imprisonment terms.”

Mr. Pedro further elaborated on the Human Organ Harvesting and Tissue Transplantation Law, which targets illegal organ trade and unethical medical practices. 

He described it as a revolutionary framework for regulating organ harvesting and transplantation within the state, noting that the law prohibits organ harvesting without appropriate authorization and forbids advertisements for the sale of human organs. 

“This legislation shields individuals from exploitation and ensures that medical procedures meet the highest ethical standards. 

“Those who violate this law could face up to 10 years in prison or fines of up to N10 million,” Mr. Pedro stated. 

The Commissioner for Justice also discussed three additional new laws and encouraged all residents to familiarize themselves with these regulations and actively participate in their enforcement.