A significant development in Nigeria’s surrogacy landscape occurred recently as a bill to establish the Nigeria Surrogacy Regulatory Commission passed its second reading in the House of Representatives. Sponsored by Rep. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala (APC-Oyo), the bill aims to provide a regulatory framework for surrogacy arrangements in the country.
Surrogacy, a process where a woman carries and delivers a child for a couple or individual struggling with infertility or unwilling to undergo pregnancy, has been largely unregulated in Nigeria. The proposed commission seeks to monitor and supervise surrogacy arrangements, ensuring the rights of all parties involved, including the child, are protected.
According to Alao-Akala, the bill’s primary objective is to eliminate discrimination and exploitation while supporting and encouraging struggling couples to have children. Emphasizing the voluntary nature of the law, he stated, “This kind of law is not a law of force, it is a law of choice… It’s not a law that says everybody must have children through surrogacy, it is not a binding law”.
Alao-Akala acknowledged potential cultural and religious resistance to the law but reiterated its importance in providing guidance for those opting for surrogacy. The bill also seeks to regulate surrogacy agencies and protect surrogate mothers and children from exploitation.
During the debate, Alao-Akala highlighted the emergence of a black market exploiting expectant parents and surrogate mothers. He emphasized the need for regulation to prevent violations of medical and health laws.
The House Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, referred the bill to the House Committee on Healthcare Services for further review and action.
If passed into law, the Nigeria Surrogacy Regulatory Commission will provide much-needed oversight and protection for surrogacy arrangements in the country. This development has the potential to bring relief to couples and individuals struggling with infertility.
The bill’s progress will be closely watched, as it addresses a critical gap in Nigeria’s surrogacy landscape. As Alao-Akala noted, “It is not a forceful law, but a law put in place so that, when anybody wants to get involved in it, there are laws guiding it”.
