Lawyer calls for clear laws on surrogacy in Nigeria

A lawyer named Isaac Olufunsho has called on the federal government to create clear laws for surrogacy in Nigeria. He wants to tackle issues around parentage rights, contract enforcement, and the welfare of children.

Mr Olufunsho focuses on family and reproductive law. He shared his views in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

He explained that while adoption is covered by laws, surrogacy mostly relies on private agreements because there are no specific federal rules.

He noted that new technologies in assisted reproduction have led to more couples interested in surrogacy. This makes it more important to have proper regulations.

"The lack of clear laws creates confusion about the rights of intended parents, surrogate mothers, and children born through surrogacy," he said.

"Having clear rules will help solve problems related to legal parentage, financial responsibilities, dispute resolution, and standards for fertility clinics," he added.

Mr Olufunsho stated that adoption is the more regulated way to become a parent in Nigeria. The process is guided by the Child Rights Act, state adoption laws, and court supervision.

He pointed out that people wanting to adopt must go through background checks, home assessments, and court approvals. This ensures that adoption is in the best interest of the child.

He warned against illegal adoption schemes, child trafficking, unregistered baby factories, and fake surrogacy arrangements. He said these practices violate children's rights and can lead to serious legal problems.

He believes any new laws on surrogacy should focus on child protection, recognizing parentage, safeguarding surrogate mothers, and being transparent about assisted reproductive arrangements.

"Improving Nigeria's legal system for different ways to become a parent will build public trust and protect everyone involved," he said.

He encouraged those thinking about surrogacy or adoption to get legal advice and follow the laws properly.

Mr Olufunsho emphasized that the welfare and best interests of the child should be the most important factor in all decisions about parenthood and family formation.