The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to unveil three state-of-the-art cancer treatment facilities by May 2025, according to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate. The facilities, equipped with advanced technology for cancer diagnosis and treatment, mark a significant milestone in the nation’s healthcare system.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Pate revealed, “For the first time in Nigeria’s history, six major cancer infrastructure and equipment investments were approved by Mr. President (President Bola Tinubu) early last year. Three of them will be ready for commissioning by May 2025. Nigeria has never had it this good.”
Highlighting the scope of the project, he added, “These facilities will provide the high level of care required for cancer patients, including linear accelerators, brachytherapy, and other diagnostic equipment, ensuring access to quality cancer care within the country.”
The minister further noted that the Federal Government launched 10 other major cancer diagnostic centres across the country five months ago. Additionally, 201 tertiary healthcare facilities have undergone infrastructural upgrades and received new equipment, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans, within the past year.
“We are going to do more in 2025. Training and human resource development are also critical components of our plan. These efforts go beyond primary healthcare, and the Federal Government is fully committed to investing in them,” Pate explained.
The government has also expanded federal healthcare facilities in various regions. Recent developments include the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre in Epe, Lagos, a new facility in Ekiti, and the approval of a Federal Teaching Hospital in Akure. Additionally, the Federal Medical Centre in Southern Kaduna and the Specialist Hospital in Keffi have been upgraded to teaching hospitals. The Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, also now has a teaching hospital.
Pate underscored the need for these expansions, stating, “For a long time, Nigeria’s tertiary healthcare capacity remained stagnant, serving a population of 150 million people. With our population now at 230 million, we must expand capacity. While it’s not enough, these efforts are a significant step forward.”
The urgency of these interventions is underscored by alarming cancer statistics. Data from the Global Cancer Observatory revealed that Nigeria recorded 127,763 new cancer cases and 79,542 deaths in 2022. Breast cancer topped the list with 32,278 cases (25.3%), followed by prostate cancer (18,019 cases) and cervical cancer (13,676 cases).
In 2023, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, reported that approximately 78,000 people died from cancer-related complications in 2020, with over 120,000 new cancer cases estimated annually in Nigeria.
With these new facilities, the government aims to bridge critical gaps in cancer care and reduce the burden of the disease on the nation.
