Nigeria's Government to Boost Cancer Treatment Capacity

The Federal Government is set to expand Nigeria's cancer treatment capacity by procuring 35 linear accelerators over the next three years and establishing six cancer centres of excellence. This announcement was made by Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, during the opening of the 2026 International Cancer Week in Abuja.

Currently, three cancer centres have been constructed and commissioned, with another three under construction. The government is also enhancing cancer care through the NSIA-Medserve Cancer Centres and the Nigeria Cancer Access Partnership Programme, supported by Roche.

Salako emphasized that the investments aim to improve cancer diagnosis outcomes for Nigerians, addressing challenges such as poor awareness, limited screening, and inadequate treatment infrastructure. The government is adopting an integrated approach that includes prevention, early detection, and palliative care.

Additionally, Nigeria has expanded preventive services through eight NICRAT Preventive Oncology Clinics and has vaccinated over 18 million girls against cervical cancer.