23rd anniversary: Nordica Lagos marks 5,000 births, seeks IVF regulation and AI growth

Nigeria’s fertility treatment industry is expanding quickly, with growing local capacity reducing medical tourism, but experts warn that weak regulation and rising costs could slow long-term growth.

At the centre of this shift is Nordica Fertility Centre, which says it has helped deliver more than 5,000 babies and supported over 15,000 families in its 23 years of operation.

Speaking at an anniversary media briefing in Lagos, Abayomi Ajayi, the clinic’s medical director, said Nigeria is emerging as a regional hub for in vitro fertilisation (IVF), with more patients now seeking treatment locally instead of travelling abroad.

“Patients no longer have to leave Nigeria to access world-class fertility care. We are even seeing people come into the country for treatment,” he said.

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The growth reflects wider changes in awareness and acceptance of fertility treatment in a country where infertility was once heavily stigmatised and rarely discussed openly. Clinics say more couples are now seeking medical help earlier, although delays remain common due to cultural and religious pressures.

Ajayi said one of the biggest challenges is late presentation, especially among women, noting that age remains the most important factor affecting fertility outcomes. “Biology does not wait,” he said, warning that delayed treatment often reduces success rates and increases complexity.

Nigeria’s fertility sector is also benefiting from advances in medical technology. Nordica said it has introduced techniques such as genetic screening, embryo preservation and specialised sperm selection, while also expanding into non-invasive fibroid treatment using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

The clinic added that it has trained more than 100 doctors, contributing to the development of local expertise and helping to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Despite this progress, Ajayi said the industry faces structural challenges, including unreliable power supply and high operating costs. Fertility clinics depend on constant electricity to preserve sensitive biological materials, forcing operators to rely on multiple energy sources such as diesel generators and solar systems.

Most equipment and consumables are imported and priced in foreign currency, exposing providers to exchange rate volatility in a country where revenues are largely earned in naira.

“The worst kind of business is earning in naira and paying in dollars,” Ajayi said.

Analysts say the sector could unlock significant economic value if properly regulated and supported, especially as demand for assisted reproduction grows across West Africa.

Ajayi warned that without stronger local participation, Nigeria risks losing out to foreign investors. “If Nigerians don’t take the opportunity, others will take it,” he said.

He called for tighter regulation to prevent unethical practices and protect patients, noting that fertility treatment raises complex medical and moral questions. Nordica operates an internal ethics committee that includes doctors, lawyers and religious leaders to guide difficult decisions.

“Just because we can do something does not mean we must do it,” he said.

The clinic is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence to improve IVF success rates, signalling a shift towards data-driven healthcare in Nigeria. Experts say AI could help optimise embryo selection and treatment timing, potentially increasing success rates and lowering costs over time.

However, Ajayi cautioned that IVF is not guaranteed to result in pregnancy and often requires multiple cycles. Poor understanding of this reality among patients can lead to unrealistic expectations and emotional stress.

Read also: Excellent embryos, zero pregnancy: Nigerian fertility specialist reveals why IVF fails

Tola Ajayi, clinic manager, said stigma around infertility is gradually declining, with more patients now willing to share their experiences publicly.

“Today, more people are beginning to speak and share their journeys openly,” she said, adding that increased awareness is helping others seek treatment earlier.

Even so, many families still keep fertility treatment private, reflecting lingering social pressures.

As Nigeria’s fertility market grows, experts say its future will depend on a mix of innovation, public education and stronger policy support.

Ajayi said the next phase of growth will focus on scaling technology, improving awareness and maintaining ethical standards.

“We are proud to be doing this in Nigeria, for Nigerians. But we are still a work in progress,” he said.