Surrogacy Practices: A Panacea for Infertility in Nigeria

ABSTRACT Infertility affects an estimated 20–30% of couples in Nigeria, imposing severe emotional, psychological, and social burdens, particularly in a society where procreation is viewed as a marital and cultural imperative. Surrogacy, a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART), has emerged globally as a viable solution to intractable infertility—yet in Nigeria, its potential remains largely untapped due to legal ambiguity, ethical concerns, and deep-seated cultural and religious resistance. This paper conceptually explores the transformative role of surrogacy in addressing infertility in Nigeria, arguing that when ethically practiced and legally regulated, surrogacy can serve as a panacea for the multidimensional distress associated with childlessness. Drawing on social constructionist theory and bioethical principles, the paper examines global best practices, critiques the current unregulated surrogacy landscape in Nigeria, and proposes a framework linking infertility to improved family well-being through access, legal reform, and societal acceptance. The study advocates for comprehensive legislation, ethical review mechanisms, public education, and policy innovation to legitimize and expand access to surrogacy. It concludes by recommending future empirical research into perceptions, case studies, and policy impact to strengthen Nigeria’s reproductive health agenda and promote reproductive justice