In a bold initiative to transform cancer care and diagnostics, the Federal Government has launched what it hails as the most ambitious healthcare investment in Nigeria’s history.
The initiative, announced on Saturday by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, will establish the largest network of oncology and diagnostic centres in West Africa. It is expected to train 500 clinicians over the next three years and provide care for up to 2,000 oncology patients and 350,000 diagnostic clients annually.
“This landmark initiative exemplifies the Renewed Hope Agenda and President Tinubu’s compassionate, reform-oriented leadership,” Pate said. “We are breaking down entrenched barriers—both in access and delivery—to make quality, affordable cancer care the norm across Nigeria.”
He announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to officially commission the newly built cancer treatment centres at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina, the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Nsukka, and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in the coming days.
“To ensure long-term sustainability, the government has begun advanced clinical and technical training for institutional staff in South Africa. In addition, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has introduced a cost-sharing programme to ease the financial burden of cancer care.”
“Under the scheme, eligible patients undergoing radiotherapy could receive subsidies of up to N400,000, a move health officials say will improve treatment adherence and ease pressure on families.”
He said the new network marks a transformative era for specialised healthcare in Nigeria, focusing on access, quality, and sustainability.
The public has been invited to visit the new facilities and follow ongoing updates on the health sector’s reforms.
