Cancer Society Seeks N10bn National Fund, Urges States To Strengthen Disease Control

BY PATIENCE IVIE IHEJIRIKA, Abuja

The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has called for the establishment of a N10 billion National Cancer Intervention Fund (NCIF) to boost cancer prevention, treatment, research, patient navigation and survivorship services across the country.

The president and chief executive officer of the society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, made the appeal at the Cancer Survivors’ Gala 2026, organised by First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC) and the Office of the First Lady of Imo State in Owerri.

Speaking on the theme, “Celebrating Survivorship, Strengthening Systems,” Omonisi said Nigeria had made progress in cancer awareness, early detection and treatment, but noted that major gaps still exist in cancer care and survivorship services.

He revealed that more than 31 states are yet to develop up-to-date State Strategic Cancer Control Plans, while many have not established functional State Cancer Control Committees to coordinate cancer prevention and control activities.

He said many states also lack the health infrastructure required to provide comprehensive cancer care, including prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, palliative care and survivorship support.

Omonisi appealed to Nigeria’s First Ladies to support the Society’s drive to mobilise N10 billion for the National Cancer Intervention Fund and an additional N5 billion national project aimed at expanding cancer screening, community outreach, awareness campaigns and treatment support for vulnerable and underserved communities.

“We need your support to strengthen the National Cancer Intervention Fund with a target of mobilising N10 billion to support cancer prevention, treatment, patient navigation, research and survivorship services,” he said.

He stressed that early detection remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing cancer-related deaths, adding that expanding screening programmes would significantly improve access to quality cancer care.

The NCS president said the society is ready to work with state governments, ministries of health, development partners and First Ladies to develop and update State Strategic Cancer Control Plans and strengthen cancer care systems nationwide.

He also highlighted the Society’s longstanding collaboration with the Office of the First Lady of Imo State, describing it as a model partnership between government and civil society that should be replicated across the country.

Omonisi noted that while cancer survivorship is increasing due to improved awareness and advances in treatment, many survivors continue to face financial hardship, psychosocial stress, stigma, limited access to follow-up care and difficulties returning to normal social and economic life.

He called for stronger survivorship programmes to address these challenges and improve the quality of life for cancer survivors.