IVF costs lock out millions as Wilson Initiative gives 12 Nigerian couples new hope
Twelve fertility-challenged couples in Nigeria have received heavily subsidized In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment through a new partnership between the Wilson O. A. R. Initiative and FertProMax Fertility Clinic, highlighting the growing crisis of infertility treatment affordability in the country.
The initiative, which offers up to 70 percent financial support to low-income couples and people who have waited for children for at least 10 years, was launched by fertility specialist and businessman Olajide Rainy Wilson as part of activities marking his 50th birthday celebration.
The Wilson O. A. R. Initiative was officially inaugurated during an event held at Park Inn by Radisson Kigali on April 21, 2026. According to Wilson, the programme was created to help couples struggling with infertility but unable to afford the high cost of fertility treatment in Nigeria.
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Speaking at the inauguration, Wilson said many Nigerians are denied the opportunity of parenthood because IVF treatment remains beyond the reach of average citizens. “This initiative is meant to widen access to IVF services so low-income earners can also share in the joyful moments of parenthood,” he said.
He explained that a single IVF cycle in Nigeria currently costs between N3 million and N15 million, making it unaffordable for many families. He added that most fertility services are provided by private hospitals and are not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Wilson revealed that the programme received more than 4,000 applications from Nigeria and some other West African countries within two weeks of opening the registration portal.
According to him, applicants were screened based on their financial condition, the number of years spent waiting for children, medical suitability, and readiness to undergo the physical demands of IVF treatment.
After the first screening stage, more than 20 couples were shortlisted and invited for further medical assessment before the final 12 beneficiaries were selected.
Wilson, who is also the managing director of FertProMax Fertility Clinic, said the support package covers several stages of fertility treatment, including medical tests, medications, sperm and egg extraction, IVF procedures, embryo transfer, as well as options such as sperm or egg donation and surrogacy where necessary.
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He noted that the initiative is part of his effort to give back to society and support families facing emotional and financial pressure caused by infertility.
Wilson said the programme would run one cycle in 2026, with plans to expand to two cycles yearly in the future.
He also encouraged couples who were unable to benefit from the first batch to apply in future rounds when the portal reopens.
Health experts have repeatedly warned that infertility is becoming a growing reproductive health challenge in Nigeria, while access to advanced fertility treatment remains limited mainly because of high costs and weak insurance coverage.
