The Federal Government has instructed the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) to decentralize its operations to enhance cancer control efforts at the grassroots level.
Minister of State for Health, Adekunle Salako, emphasized the importance of involving state governments in cancer control governance, especially considering the growing cancer burden in Nigeria.
He pointed out that over 70% of cancer patients in the country seek treatment at advanced stages, often due to factors such as ignorance, superstition, poverty, and lack of screening services.
Salako stressed the government’s commitment to tackling these challenges, noting that cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, according to the World Health Organization. He reassured that Nigeria is focused on improving cancer care, treatment, and prevention across the nation.
As part of this initiative, Salako proposed that NICRAT set up regional offices, engage with state governors, and collaborate with the Nigerian Governors Forum to advocate for cancer care policies at the state level.
The Ministry of Health will also introduce incentives to encourage states to adopt national cancer care policies.
The Minister reiterated the government’s dedication to ensuring all Nigerians, regardless of their location or economic status, have access to affordable, high-quality cancer care.
He highlighted the administration’s commitment to universal health coverage, which aims to make cancer services accessible to everyone.
Salako assured cancer patients that resources would continue to be dedicated to effective treatment and care and underscored that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prioritizes cancer prevention and treatment as a key national issue.
Salako also discussed the government’s investment in cancer research, noting that NICRAT is receiving a dedicated budget for cancer research for the first time, marking an important development for the country.
According to him, the ongoing national strategic cancer control plan, which focuses on survivorship and palliative care.
NICRAT’s Director General, Usman Aliyu, shared the institute’s efforts to strengthen cancer prevention, research, and treatment through collaborations with both local and international partners.
He highlighted the training of over 1,200 healthcare workers at various levels and outlined plans to expand training initiatives in 2025 to develop a skilled workforce for comprehensive cancer care.
NICRAT is also reforming the National Cancer Health Fund (NCHF) to cover more cancer types and plans to open additional cancer centers in the coming months.
The World Cancer Day 2025 symposium focused on the theme “United by Unique,” emphasizing the significance of personalized, patient-centered care.
Aliyu also recognized the essential role of partnerships with NGOs, the private sector, and the international community in mobilizing resources and improving cancer care access across the country.
The event featured a panel discussion that offered key recommendations for future cancer control and treatment initiatives in Nigeria.
