FG Strengthens Global Partnerships to Tackle Cancer, Plans Six Centres of Excellence

FG Strengthens Global Partnerships to Tackle Cancer, Plans Six Centres of Excellence

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships, investments and technical collaboration in cancer prevention, early detection and treatment as part of efforts to reduce the burden of cancer in Nigeria.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stated this in Abuja when he received members of the Global Advisory Council of the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group (NCCP-TWG).

Salako said cancer remains a major global health challenge, with the burden particularly severe in Africa due to late presentation, high mortality rates, limited treatment infrastructure, inadequate manpower and constrained resources.

He said the Federal Government had placed strategic partnerships at the centre of implementing the National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030, noting that international expertise, technology and investment would be critical to achieving sustainable improvements in cancer outcomes.

FG Expands Prevention and Early Detection

The Minister said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was prioritising cancer prevention and early detection, highlighting the inclusion of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in Nigeria’s routine immunisation programme as an important intervention against cervical cancer.

He added that the government was expanding cervical cancer screening, improving public awareness and integrating screening services into primary healthcare facilities to encourage early detection.

“Prevention is better and cheaper than cure. We are doing everything we can to expand immunisation, improve screening and ensure that cancer is detected at a very early stage,” Salako said.

He disclosed that the Federal Government had commenced construction of six cancer centres of excellence, with three already completed and the remaining three at various stages of development.

According to him, President Tinubu has also approved the procurement of 35 additional linear accelerators between 2027 and 2029 to expand access to radiotherapy and strengthen Nigeria’s cancer treatment capacity.

Government Seeks Wider International Collaboration

Salako commended members of the Global Advisory Council and the Technical Working Group for their expertise, networks and resources in supporting Nigeria’s cancer-control efforts.

He also appreciated the Council for its support to pathology laboratories in the country, assuring that donated equipment would be effectively deployed to strengthen diagnostic services.

The Minister urged the Council and the Technical Working Group to continue mobilising expertise, investment and resources from around the world to support Nigeria’s cancer-control agenda.

He expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among government, medical experts, development partners, academia, industry and other stakeholders would contribute significantly to reducing the burden of cancer in Nigeria.

“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, I deeply appreciate what you are doing for us. Your commitment, sacrifice and dedication are highly valued,” he said.

Blood Cancer Consortium Inaugurated

The Minister also formally inaugurated the Blood Cancer Consortium, describing it as an important platform for advancing knowledge, research, collaboration and improved outcomes in the management of blood cancers.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring that partnerships established under the National Cancer Control Plan translate into tangible improvements in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment for Nigerians.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom S. mni, welcomed the delegation and expressed optimism that the engagement would produce meaningful benefits for Nigerians.

NCCP-TWG Outlines Research and Global Partnerships

In her response, the Chairman of the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group, Professor Folakemi Odedina, who led the delegation, appreciated the Ministry for its confidence and support.

She said the initiative had brought together Nigerian experts at home and in the diaspora, government institutions, academia, healthcare providers, patients, advocates, industry and international partners around a common national vision for cancer control.

Odedina said the Council would work with NCCP subcommittees, geopolitical zones, integration hubs and national institutions to accelerate measurable progress towards Nigeria’s 2030 cancer-control targets.

She disclosed that the NCCP Technical Working Group had become operational, with structures established under a coordinated national framework.

On cancer research, she said the NCCP was laying the foundation for a stronger national oncology clinical-trials ecosystem aimed at developing Nigerian investigators, strengthening trial-ready institutions, expanding patients’ access to clinical trials and positioning Nigeria as a major contributor to cancer research in Africa and globally.

She also announced plans for strategic institutional partnerships between Nigeria and leading global cancer institutions, including the University of Maryland Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fox Chase Cancer Center and Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, among others.

The partnerships are expected to operate within a coordinated framework aligned with Nigeria’s national cancer-control priorities.

“Together, we can change the trajectory of cancer in Nigeria,” Professor Odedina said.

The meeting ended with the ceremonial signing of a strategic partnership between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCCP Technical Working Group and members of the Global Advisory Council, further strengthening Nigeria’s international cooperation in the fight against cancer.

FG Strengthens Global Partnerships to Tackle Cancer, Plans Six Centres of Excellence