Nigeria to commission West Africa’s largest cancer care network with 3 new oncology centres

In a major push to improve access to specialized healthcare, the Federal Government is set to commission three newly built cancer centres across the country, forming part of what officials are calling the largest investment in oncology and diagnostic infrastructure in West Africa’s history.

The announcement was made on Saturday by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, via his official X handle, as Nigeria marks the midpoint of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first term in office.

“In the coming days, three newly built cancer centers will be formally commissioned by Mr. President and opened for public access,” Pate stated.

The new facilities are located at: Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina; University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nsukka and University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City

These additions will bring the total number of government-run comprehensive cancer centres in the country to six, with the facilities expected to collectively treat 2,000 cancer patients and deliver diagnostic services to over 350,000 people annually.

Describing the initiative as the most ambitious in Nigeria’s history, Pate said the development signals the dawn of a new era in cancer care.

The government, he emphasized, is focused on dismantling long-standing barriers that have historically denied millions of Nigerians access to life-saving treatment.

“This milestone initiative will also train up to 500 clinicians over the next three years and is projected to serve tens of thousands of patients every year,” Pate noted.

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“We are dismantling longstanding barriers both on the supply and demand sides to ensure that quality, affordable cancer care becomes the national standard, not the exception.”

To ensure smooth operations and sustainability, key technical and clinical staff are currently undergoing advanced training in South Africa. Simultaneously, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has launched a cost-sharing programme to support disadvantaged cancer patients.

Under the new scheme, eligible patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment may receive up to N400,000 in subsidies, helping to ease the financial burden on families and boost treatment adherence.

“This subsidy reflects our commitment to equity in healthcare delivery,” Pate added. “We are determined to ensure that poverty is no longer a death sentence for Nigerians battling cancer.”

The new cancer centres are part of a broader effort under the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Tinubu. In February 2024, the administration allocated N37.4 billion in the national budget to the Federal Ministry of Health’s oncology initiative, aimed at establishing six state-of-the-art cancer centres across the country.

This effort culminated in Presidential approval for the largest-ever expansion of cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment infrastructure in six federal tertiary hospitals.

Nigeria continues to struggle with high mortality from non-communicable diseases, including cancer.

According to the World Health Organization, cancer is among the leading causes of death in the country, worsened by late diagnosis, high treatment costs, and a lack of specialized facilities.

Health experts say the move is a significant shift in policy, as Nigeria transitions from reliance on foreign medical tourism to building a scalable, government-led cancer care ecosystem.

“This is a game-changer,” said Dr. Chika Anumba, a public health specialist.

“With the infrastructure, funding, and training now in place, Nigeria has a real shot at changing the narrative around cancer care and survival.”

Stakeholders are optimistic that these efforts will not only improve survival rates but also reduce the financial outflow from Nigerians traveling abroad for cancer treatment—an issue that costs the country hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

As the centres open their doors in the coming days, health authorities are calling on the public to take advantage of the new facilities for early diagnosis, regular screening, and treatment.

“I invite all Nigerians to explore these transformative facilities,” Pate concluded. “This marks a bold step toward making cancer care accessible and equitable for all.”