The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to strengthening partnerships and investments in cancer prevention, early detection and treatment in Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stated this in Abuja while receiving members of the Global Advisory Council of the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group.
Salako said cancer remained a major health challenge in Nigeria, particularly due to late diagnosis, limited healthcare infrastructure, inadequate manpower and lack of resources.
He said the government was making partnerships a key part of the National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030, noting that international expertise and collaboration would help improve cancer control in the country.
The minister highlighted the inclusion of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in routine immunisation as an important step towards preventing cervical cancer. He added that the government was also expanding cervical cancer screening, increasing public awareness and integrating screening services into primary healthcare.
Salako disclosed that six cancer centres of excellence were being constructed across the country, with three already completed. He also said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the procurement of 35 additional linear accelerators between 2027 and 2029 to improve access to radiotherapy.
He commended the Global Advisory Council and the Technical Working Group for supporting Nigeria’s cancer control efforts, particularly in strengthening pathology laboratories and diagnostic services.
The minister also inaugurated the Blood Cancer Consortium, describing it as an important platform for improving knowledge, collaboration and treatment outcomes for blood cancer patients.
Earlier, the Chairman of the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group, Professor Folakemi Odedina, said the initiative had brought together Nigerian experts, government agencies, healthcare providers, researchers, patients, advocates and international partners to work towards a common goal of reducing cancer in Nigeria.
Odedina said the group was also working to strengthen cancer research and clinical trials in Nigeria. She announced strategic partnerships with leading global cancer institutions, including the University of Maryland Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fox Chase Cancer Center and Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.
She expressed optimism that the partnerships would help Nigeria achieve its cancer control targets by 2030.
The meeting ended with the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group and members of the Global Advisory Council.
