{
  "id": 5538083,
  "title": "Atiku decries economic hardship driving youth to sell kidneys",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/atiku-decries-economic-hardship-driving-youth-to-sell-kidneys-5538083",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-04T10:59:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/atiku-decries-economic-hardship-driving-youth-to-sell-kidneys/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep concern over a troubling trend of young Nigerians resorting to selling their kidneys due to economic hardships caused by President Bola Tinubu's policies. In a post on social media, Atiku alleged that he had heard \"disturbing stories\" about young people being driven to this extreme measure in their desperate search for income. He argued that the current crisis should offend every Nigerian's conscience, as the young should be innovating and building dreams rather than resorting to such desperate measures. Atiku's claims point to a rising cost of living in Nigeria, with basic necessities becoming increasingly unaffordable. He stated that food, transport, rent, school fees, medicine, and electricity have all seen significant price hikes under Tinubu's administration, making it difficult for ordinary Nigerians to make ends meet. Despite Nigeria having laws against commercial organ sales and trafficking, Atiku asserts that these laws are ineffective without addressing the poverty and desperation that make young people susceptible to criminal networks. He calls for comprehensive economic reforms aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians, including affordable food, cheaper transportation, accessible healthcare, decent job opportunities, and renewed hope for future generations.",
  "summary": "Atiku Abubakar raises alarm over young Nigerians selling kidneys due to economic hardship under Tinubu’s administration. Learn about the alarming trend. Read More: https://punchng.com/atiku-decries-economic-hardship-driving-youth-to-sell-kidneys/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Atiku decries economic hardship driving youth to sell kidneys",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/atiku-decries-economic-hardship-driving-youth-to-sell-kidneys",
        "published": "2026-09-04T10:50:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}