Urology
Circumcision in Nigeria
A short procedure, done for cultural, religious or medical reasons. The thing that matters most is who does it and under what conditions, because the complications we see are almost always from the procedure being done badly rather than from the procedure itself.
Also called: Male circumcision, Infant circumcision, Adult circumcision
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed 3 October 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Published price
₦56,000
Circumcision, local anaesthetic
Older child or adult, under local anaesthetic.
What the price covers
- The doctor performing the procedure
- Sterile single use instruments and dressings
- Local anaesthetic
- Written aftercare and a number to call
- A wound check in the first week
What it does not cover
- Treating an active infection before the procedure can be done
- General anaesthetic and theatre, priced separately above
- Repair of a previous circumcision done elsewhere
Related prices
Infant circumcision, first few weeks of life
Quicker, heals faster, and the usual time to do it.
₦44,000
Circumcision under general anaesthetic
For an older child, or where there is scarring or a tight foreskin that will not retract.
₦176,000
What would change this price
- A general anaesthetic, where the child is too old for local
- Scarring or adhesions from a previous attempt
- An underlying condition such as hypospadias, where circumcision may need to wait because the foreskin is needed for repair
If an HMO is paying, the case needs prior authorisation before admission. Bring your HMO number to the first consultation and the desk will start it. If the plan declines, you are told the cash price before anything is booked.
Who this is for
- Newborns and infants, where it is chosen for cultural or religious reasons
- A foreskin that will not retract and is causing ballooning, infection or pain
- Recurrent infection under the foreskin
- Paraphimosis, a retracted foreskin that will not go back, which is urgent
When it is not the right answer
- A baby with hypospadias or another penile abnormality, where the foreskin may be needed for later repair
- A baby who is unwell, jaundiced or premature, until they are well
- A non-retractile foreskin in a young boy, which is normal and usually resolves on its own
The pathway, step by step
- 1
Examination first
The anatomy is checked before anything is done. This single step is what prevents the most serious complications.
- 2
The procedure
Fifteen to thirty minutes under local anaesthetic for an infant. Longer, and sometimes under general anaesthetic, for an older child or adult.
- 3
Observed, then home
You wait a short while to confirm there is no bleeding, then go home the same day.
- 4
Wound check in the first week
Included. Most problems that do occur show up in the first seven days.
Recovery, realistically
Days 1 to 3
Swelling and a yellowish film on the healing surface, which is normal and not infection. Petroleum jelly on each nappy change for infants.
Week 1
Most of the swelling settles. Infants feed and sleep normally within a day or two.
Week 2 to 4
Healed in infants. Adults avoid sex for four to six weeks.
Risks you should be told about
- Bleeding, the commonest problem, usually in the first twenty four hours
- Infection
- Removing too much or too little skin, which is a reason to care who does it
- Injury to the glans, rare and almost always avoidable
- Adhesions forming as it heals, usually treatable without another operation
Every operation carries risk. A surgeon who lists none is not being straight with you. Yours will go through these with you before you consent.
Questions people ask
When is the best time?
The first few weeks of life, if it is being done at all. It is quicker, heals faster, needs only local anaesthetic and costs less.
Does my son need a general anaesthetic?
Infants do not. Older children usually do, which is the main reason the price rises with age.
What is normal healing and what is not?
Swelling and a yellow film are normal. Bleeding that soaks a dressing, fever, or a baby who will not feed are not, and you are given a number to call.
Can you correct a circumcision done badly elsewhere?
Often, yes. It is assessed as a separate procedure and quoted separately, because every case differs.
Prices shown are Mezo cash prices in naira and were last checked on 3 October 2026. They are what you would be quoted for the standard case described here. Your final quote follows an examination, because the right operation for you may not be this one.