The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing Nigeria’s cancer burden by strengthening prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship through resilient, innovative and equitable healthcare systems.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stated this today, Wednesday, in Abuja while declaring open the 2026 International Cancer Week, organised by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT).
The event has the theme, “United Against Cancer: Building Resilient, Innovative and Equitable Systems Across the Cancer Care Continuum.”
Salako said the government was implementing a range of interventions to improve cancer care, including the development and commissioning of cancer centres of excellence and the approved procurement of 35 linear accelerators over the next three years.
He said the government was also expanding diagnostic services and introducing immunohistochemistry services under the Nigeria Cancer Access Partnership Programme.
On prevention and early detection, the minister said NICRAT had established eight Preventive Oncology Clinics across the six geopolitical zones, while nationwide cancer awareness campaigns and HPV vaccination programmes were being expanded.
According to him, more than 18 million girls aged between nine and 14 have so far received HPV vaccines, while the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination is coordinating efforts to achieve the World Health Organisation’s 2030 cervical cancer elimination target.
Salako said innovation, research and data would remain central to the country’s cancer-control strategy, with the government deploying digital technology, artificial intelligence, telemedicine, molecular diagnostics, precision medicine, cancer registries and data analytics to improve access to care and clinical outcomes.
He identified the costed National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030 and the Nigeria Nuclear Medicine Strategic Plan as key frameworks guiding the country’s cancer-control efforts.
The minister said the government was targeting a 30 per cent reduction in Nigeria’s cancer burden by 2030, through improved prevention, early diagnosis, data management and standardised treatment.
He also stressed the importance of financial protection for cancer patients, saying the government was strengthening mechanisms, including the National Cancer Health Fund and catastrophic health expenditure financing, to reduce the financial burden of treatment on individuals and families.
Salako called for greater collaboration among government institutions, development partners, international organisations, academia, professional associations, the private sector, civil society and patient groups.
He said tackling the country’s cancer burden required a collective effort because no single institution could address the challenge alone.
“Cancer control is a shared responsibility. Our goal is clear: no Nigerian should be denied lifesaving cancer care because of poverty, geography or social circumstance,” Salako said.
He urged Nigerians to take advantage of available cancer prevention, screening and early-detection services.
The minister also called on stakeholders participating in International Cancer Week to translate its outcomes into measurable actions capable of improving cancer outcomes across the country.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to transforming the health sector, particularly through increased attention and investment in cancer prevention and control.
