Nigeria Emerges as Growing Fertility Destination as IVF, Surrogacy Demand Rises

Nigeria is increasingly attracting Nigerians in the diaspora, other Africans and international intended parents seeking fertility treatment, with IVF and surrogacy services gaining greater attention across the country. A report by THISDAY indicates that factors including comparatively lower treatment costs, shorter waiting periods and cultural familiarity are encouraging some prospective parents to consider undergoing fertility procedures in Nigeria rather than travelling to countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Dubai and India. According to the report, Nigeria now has more than 80 registered IVF centres, with some facilities equipped with advanced reproductive technologies, including time-lapse incubators, embryo vitrification and preimplantation genetic testing laboratories. THISDAY reported that an IVF cycle in Nigeria could cost between ₦4.5 million and ₦6.5 million, compared with significantly higher costs in the United States. The report also noted that patients may be able to commence treatment more quickly in Nigerian cities including Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan and Port Harcourt. The growing interest extends beyond IVF to gestational surrogacy, in which an embryo created through IVF is transferred to a surrogate who carries the pregnancy for the intended parents. Making Families Surrogacy Limited, a Nigerian fertility support and surrogacy agency cited by THISDAY, said it had recorded increased enquiries from Nigerians abroad and international clients in 2026. The organisation attributed the interest to shorter treatment timelines, lower costs and greater cultural familiarity. However, the growth of Nigeria's fertility and surrogacy sector comes amid calls for stronger regulation. Channels Television reported in June that Nigeria does not yet have a comprehensive legal framework specifically governing surrogacy, raising concerns about contractual disputes, parental rights and the potential exploitation of vulnerable women. Lawmakers and stakeholders have been discussing legislation aimed at providing clearer rules for the sector. A recent report by Nordica Fertility Centre also highlighted legal uncertainty surrounding surrogacy arrangements, including questions relating to birth registration, legal parentage and disagreements that could arise during pregnancy. Despite these challenges, the expansion of fertility services is gradually positioning Nigeria as an increasingly important option for people seeking assisted reproductive care. The trend could strengthen Nigeria's medical-tourism sector if improvements in clinical standards are accompanied by effective regulation, ethical safeguards, transparent pricing and adequate protection for intended parents, surrogates and children. Source: THISDAY — September 3, 2026. Editorial note: Claims regarding treatment costs, success rates, the number of IVF centres and international demand are attributed to the sources cited and should not be interpreted as independently verified by FACTFUL24.