Nigerians have been urged to embrace surrogacy practice in the country as it is a solution to infertility and other medical issues in the country.

A legal practitioner and a surrogacy law enthusiast, Othniel Idowu Falana stated this at the Hanniel’s Noble legal practitioners maiden annual lecture with theme ‘Surrogacy as a pathway to modern development in Nigeria’ in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Thursday.

He said the idea of the surrogacy is an alternative to issues of infertility and that the lecture is part of an ongoing awareness campaign.

He said, “The idea behind today’s lecture is that there is a new development in our society and it seems like we’re not paying real attention to it, maybe because most people are not really affected, and that is the issue of infertility and an alternative to it which is surrogacy.

“I came across the issue of surrogacy in 2021 when a woman who contracted surrogacy needed to take her children back to Germany and the children were denied visa. I contested in court that it is an issue of denial of identity, because the children were denied visa because they were seen to not been given birth to in the proper way.

“I believe whether a child is given birth to through surrogacy or other means doesn’t mean that it’s not a child and he or she shouldn’t be discriminated. The children’s right should be covered under the child rights law of the Constitution of Nigeria.

“Infertility is not a person’s fault and shouldn’t be discriminated against, so if there is another way for the person to give birth and fulfill their life dream, why not encourage it.

“So I’m motivated to do this because we need to call on government, parastatals and institutions that are involved, because it has come to stay in Nigeria, regardless of reservations or misinterpretations about it.

“Surrogacy has come and it has come to stay and the only way out is for it to be regulated to confirm with sociological, religious and socio-cultural ideologies, and also to prevent fraud and exploitation.

“So there’s a need for a strong and robust regulation for it and that is what this campaign is all about.”

Falana also called for a government and private sector partnership to regulate and enforce the laws on surrogacy.

Earlier, the lead speaker of the lecture, Prof Omolade Olomola, Lecturer, University of Ibadan, described surrogacy as an avenue to help and assist women who have some issues, whether medically or otherwise, fulfill their dreams of becoming mothers.

Olomola pointed out that because some women cannot conceive naturally, does not mean that they are unable to become mothers.

According to her, women who cannot carry a child to term or have underlying medical issues have an option of surrogacy to have children, saying “surrogacy has many benefits as it gives intending parents an opportunity to have biological children.

“Surrogacy is very different from adoption as in most cases, as it is a reproductive arrangement where a woman carries and gives birth to a baby for another individual or couple.

“This process involves what is called Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), such as in Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and may incorporate donor eggs, sperm, or embryos.”

Commisioner for Health, Oyo State, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetumobi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Tunde Aremu, noted that Oyo State is currently setting the pace on regulating surrogacy in Nigeria, referencing the Bill sponsored by Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala.

He encouraged the organisers to ensure a communique of the event is sent to the governor, the state ministry of health, House of Assembly and other relevant agencies.

Also, the chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan chapter, Mr Ibrahim Lawal commended the organizers of the lecture, describing it as a worthy cause.

He expressed readiness to support and advocate for laws on surrogacy practice in the state.

The Presiding Judge NICN, Ibadan Judicial Division, Hon. Justice J. D. Peters lauded the efforts of Hanniels Noble legal practitioners and Othniel Idowu Falana.

Other speakers include; Dr Abiola Abiade, Lecturer Lead City University; Dr Adeolu Ajala, Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist, Hon Seyi Adisa, former House of Assembly Member, Oyo State. Represented by Mrs. Yewande Olayinka, Esq.

Alhaja Fausat Joke Sanni, Commissioner of Women’s Affairs Oyo state, represented by Mrs Ibironke Igeih, Chief Social Welfare Officer, and Mrs Olapeju Kolawole, Esq. Former Treasurer, NBA Ibadan branch.

The lecture also featured a commendation and award session in which winners were given cash prizes.

Miss Adesola-Tella Adesope emerged second runner up, with Miss Oluwabusayomi coming as first runner up and Mr Latona Adedeji getting the first position.