Health experts seek stronger regulation of IVF sector
…as Nordica celebrates 5000 babies at 23 Medical experts have renewed calls for stricter regulation of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) sector, warning that inadequate oversight could compromise
…as Nordica celebrates 5000 babies at 23
Medical experts have renewed calls for stricter regulation of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) sector, warning that inadequate oversight could compromise ethical standards and patient safety.
The call was made at a press conference marking the 23rd anniversary of Nordica Fertility Centre, where stakeholders reviewed the growth, challenges, and future of reproductive medicine in the country.
Chief Executive Officer of the centre, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, said the IVF industry has witnessed significant expansion over the past two decades, but noted that regulatory frameworks have not kept pace with its growth.
“The space has grown tremendously, but we still need minimum standards. There is no doubt that there is a need for regulation,” he said.
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Ajayi expressed concern about alleged unethical practices in the sector, including misrepresentation and malpractice.
“We hear some of the things that are happening, and you weep. For example, someone claimed to have IVF triplets from three different women. It is crazy, but it is happening,” he said.
He stressed that professional bodies lack the legal authority to sanction erring clinics, adding that only government intervention can ensure compliance and enforcement.
The fertility expert also raised concerns over the increasing number of unregulated surrogacy centres, many of which are operated by non-medical practitioners.
“Everybody now has a surrogacy centre, including non-doctors. There is a need for regulation if we are to preserve the sanctity of this very sacred duty,” he said.
Ajayi further warned against the growing commercialisation of reproductive services, particularly surrogacy.
“Life can never become a commodity,” he added, noting that the desperation of individuals seeking children could make them vulnerable to exploitation.
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Also speaking, Clinic Manager, Mrs. Oluranti Tola Ajayi, said Nigeria’s IVF sector is largely driven by private practitioners, unlike in many developed countries where governments play a leading role.
Despite the regulatory concerns, stakeholders acknowledged notable advancements in reproductive technology in Nigeria, including genetic screening, embryo selection, and improved success rates.
According to her, many procedures previously available only abroad can now be accessed locally, positioning Nigeria as a leading fertility hub in West Africa.
“Patients no longer have to leave Nigeria to access world-class fertility care. We are also seeing a shift, with people coming into the country for treatment,” she said.
She, however, emphasised that technological progress must be matched with strong ethical standards, revealing that some clinics have established internal ethics committees comprising legal experts, religious leaders, and medical professionals to review sensitive cases.
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Highlighting its impact over the past 23 years, Nordica Fertility Centre said it has helped deliver over 5,000 babies and supported more than 15,000 families, contributing to a shift in public perception of infertility from stigma to a treatable medical condition.
The centre also noted its role in reducing medical tourism, training over 100 physicians, and introducing advanced reproductive technologies in Nigeria and West Africa.
Beyond fertility treatment, the centre said it is expanding into a more holistic approach to women’s health, integrating services such as fibroid care, counselling, and overall wellness.
“We treat not just infertility, but the whole patient. The next chapter is about redefining women’s healthcare in Nigeria,” Ajayi said.
Experts at the conference also underscored the importance of media engagement in promoting accurate information and reducing stigma around infertility
