The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, has marked a major milestone in Nigerian healthcare by successfully performing its first-ever living-donor kidney transplant. The groundbreaking procedure was carried out on May 6, 2025, offering new hope to patients with advanced kidney disease in the region.
The recipient, a 69-year-old man suffering from end-stage renal disease, received a healthy kidney from his 39-year-old relative. The surgery was led by Dr. Ernest Aniede and a dedicated team of in-house surgeons, nephrologists, and healthcare professionals. According to the hospital, both donor and recipient have made full recoveries and are expected to be discharged soon.
During a visit to the ward, FMC Abuja’s Medical Director, Prof. Saad Ahmed, expressed gratitude to the patient and donor for their trust in the hospital’s services. He commended the medical team for their professionalism and skill, emphasizing that the successful transplant is a “major milestone for FMC Abuja and a positive sign for the healthcare landscape in Nigeria.”
Prof. Ahmed highlighted the hospital’s commitment to becoming a world-class institution, leveraging teamwork and advanced technology to deliver quality care and drive innovation in healthcare.
Prof. Ahmed also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system. He credited recent health reforms for expanding access to dialysis, increasing funding for kidney disease research, and enhancing training for healthcare professionals.
FMC Abuja plans to begin subsidizing dialysis treatment for kidney patients, aiming to make life-saving care more accessible to those in need.
Both the donor and recipient expressed heartfelt appreciation for the hospital’s care and professionalism throughout the process. The successful transplant not only marks a new chapter for FMC Abuja but also signals progress in Nigeria’s ability to provide advanced medical treatments locally.
