Cancer Care Must Not Depend On Status, Govt Says

The federal government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality cancer prevention, care and treatment for all Nigerians, regardless of their social or economic status.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, stated this on Thursday at the opening ceremony of the 2025 International Cancer Week (ICW), which was organised by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja.

Dr Salako described the conference theme, “Redefining the Future of Cancer: Prevention, Access and Equity for All,” as apt and timely, emphasising that it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This theme highlights the need to explore greater preventive measures and prioritise equitable resource sharing to reduce the cancer burden in Nigeria. President Tinubu’s government remains committed to providing the necessary support, especially funding and stronger partnerships with local and international stakeholders, to deliver effective and efficient cancer care,” he said.

Salako disclosed that the federal government is reviewing recommendations from a recent report by international technical experts, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Nigerian specialists, to guide policy implementation and reforms in cancer control.

He also disclosed that efforts are underway to reform the National Cancer Health Fund, strengthen its impact, and include additional cancer centres nationwide to reduce patient suffering and improve outcomes.

“The Tinubu-led administration is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of economic status, tribe or location, has access to quality healthcare. There is no going back on this promise,” the minister assured.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NICRAT, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, said the International Cancer Week serves as a vital platform for global collaboration, scientific exchange, and the advancement of innovative solutions in cancer care.

Prof. Aliyu highlighted the institute’s achievements since its establishment two years ago, noting that NICRAT has signed over 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with top global institutions, including the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins University, and Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

He said these collaborations drive research, clinical training, and mentorship in Nigeria’s cancer ecosystem.

He further revealed the launch of the Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Cancer Research and Implementation in Nigeria (SINCCAR) Initiative, targeting teaching hospitals and early-career researchers across the six geopolitical zones.

He also said that NICRAT is partnering with Syndicate-Bio and several teaching hospitals on the Nigeria Cancer Genome Study (NCGS) to analyse genetic mutations and variants in selected cancer types, a step toward improving precision medicine in the country.

Prof. Aliyu commended President Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their unwavering support in the fight against cancer, particularly through the Taskforce Committee on the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Nigeria.

The event was attended by top dignitaries, including the First Lady of Imo State and National Secretary of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Barr Chioma Uzodinma, and the Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe.