The Nigerian government is set to unveil three major cancer treatment centers by May 2025, as part of a broader effort to improve healthcare services across the nation.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
“For the first time in Nigeria’s history, six major cancer infrastructure and equipment investments were approved by Mr. President early last year,” said Professor Pate. “Three of these will be operational by May 2025, fully equipped with modern technology to provide high-quality cancer care.”
The new centers will feature advanced equipment, including linear accelerators, brachytherapy units, and diagnostic tools, crucial for treating cancer patients. Pate noted that these centers will offer tertiary-level services to address the rising cancer burden in the country.
“We will provide the necessary care for those suffering from cancer in Nigeria, which includes critical diagnostic and treatment facilities,” he added.
Cancer remains one of the deadliest diseases globally, with the World Health Organisation ranking it as the second leading cause of death. In Nigeria, cancer claims thousands of lives annually, with 127,763 new cases and 79,542 deaths recorded in 2022 alone, according to the Global Cancer Observatory.
The government has also launched ten cancer diagnostic centers and upgraded several tertiary healthcare facilities nationwide to address the country’s healthcare challenges. “We are expanding our capacity to meet the demands of a growing population,” Pate concluded.
