How girls are selling their egg cells for cash in Plateau

The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission (PLASGEOC) has expressed concern over what it described as the increasing practice of young women, including tertiary institution students, receiving payment for donating their egg cells in the state.

The commission said it had identified a fertility facility where women allegedly donate their ova in exchange for money, a trend it described as exploitative and a form of gender-based violence.

Speaking during a Hausa-language programme, Mutattauna, on Unity FM Jos, the commission’s Head of Information Unit, Nene Dung, said some young women were reportedly participating in the practice to fund personal expenses and lifestyles.

According to her, donors are allegedly paid between N120,000 and N150,000 for each egg retrieval procedure.

“People seeking fertility treatment are charged significant amounts, while young girls are paid to donate their ova. Some of them use the money to purchase expensive phones or meet other personal needs,” Dung said.

She noted that the commission had launched an awareness campaign to educate women and girls about the potential risks associated with the practice and to discourage participation.

Dung disclosed that the commission had engaged several tertiary institutions, including the University of Jos, Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, the College of Education, Gindiri, and the University of Education, Pankshin, as part of its sensitisation efforts.

According to her, students in the affected institutions have been informed about the potential health implications of egg donation and encouraged to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health.

“The problem is not limited to communities; it is also prevalent in schools. We are intensifying awareness efforts to ensure young women understand the implications and risks involved,” she said.

The commission also called on parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the welfare and activities of their children, arguing that stronger parental guidance is necessary in addressing cases of sexual and gender-based violence.

Dung urged all stakeholders to support efforts aimed at protecting young women and ensuring that anyone found engaging in exploitative practices is held accountable under the law.