The Attorney-General of Lagos State and the Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has announced that the Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Bill has been signed into law to prohibit illegal organ harvesting.
Pedro made this disclosure on Thursday at the Ministry of Justice in Alausa, Ikeja, while briefing newsmen on the significance of the new law and four other recently enacted laws.
He explained that the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, signed the new laws to demonstrate the administration’s commitment to the welfare, security, and prosperity of every Lagosian.
The other four new laws include the Consumer Protection Law, Lagos Enforcement Training Institute Laws, Victims Assistance and Witness Protection Laws, and the Fire and Rescue Service Laws.
Pedro stated, “These laws are not just milestones in the state’s legislative journey; they demonstrate our unwavering commitment to ensuring that Lagos remains a beacon of progress, justice, and opportunity in Nigeria.”
He continued, “As a government, our priorities have always been to address the immediate needs of our citizens, protect their rights, ensure their safety, health and prosperities.”
Pedro added, “In this regard, the recently signed laws cover some critical areas of public welfare, human rights, safety, and environmental sustainability.”
“These Laws have been thoughtfully designed to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing our state while paving the way for a more just, secure and prosperous future for all residents of Lagos,” he said.
The Attorney-General further explained that the Lagos Consumer Protection Agency Law marks a significant advancement in enhancing consumer rights in the state. He noted that as Lagos continues to thrive as a hub of commerce, business, and trade, it is crucial to safeguard the interests of residents.
He emphasized, “As Lagos continues to thrive as a hub of commerce and trade, it is crucial that the rights of our citizens are safeguarded.”
Pedro added, “This law empowers consumers to hold businesses accountable and ensures strict enforcement of their rights.”
He also highlighted the penalties for violations of the law, saying, “Violation of this law attracts the power to seal premises selling hazardous products and imposes fine of up to N5 million for violations.”
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“Offenders face penalties, including a custodial sentence of six months or N500,000 fine and subsequent offenders will receive stricter punishments, including fines of up to N750,000 and longer sentences,” he explained.
The Commissioner for Justice also discussed the Human Organ Harvesting and Tissue Transplantation Law, which aims to address illicit organ trade and unethical medical practices.
He described it as a groundbreaking framework to regulate organ harvesting and transplantation in the state, adding that the law prohibits organ harvesting without proper authorization and bans advertisements for the sale of human organs.
Pedro stated, “This legislation protects individuals from exploitation and ensures medical procedures adhere to the highest ethical standards.”
He concluded, “Violators risk up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of up to N10 million,” highlighting the severity of the penalties for those who engage in such illegal practices.
Pedro also discussed the three other newly signed laws and urged all residents to familiarize themselves with them and actively engage in their enforcement.
