FG Strengthens Global Partnerships To Accelerate Cancer Control In Nigeria
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing partnerships and investments in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment as part of its strategy to mitigate the cancer burden in the country. Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, expressed this commitment during a meeting in Abuja with members of the Global Advisory Council of the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group, as noted in a statement from Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations.
Salako highlighted that cancer poses a significant global health challenge, particularly in Africa, where late diagnosis, high mortality rates, limited infrastructure, and inadequate resources exacerbate the issue. He emphasized that partnerships are central to the implementation of the National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030 and underscored the importance of international collaboration and expertise for achieving sustainable progress.
The minister pointed out that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritized cancer prevention efforts. He cited the inclusion of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in the routine immunization schedule as a key advancement in preventing cervical cancer. The government is also expanding cervical cancer screening programs, enhancing public awareness, and integrating screening services into primary healthcare to facilitate early detection.
“Prevention is better and cheaper than cure. We are committed to expanding immunization, improving screening, and ensuring early cancer detection,” Salako stated.
He announced that the Federal Government has initiated the construction of six cancer centers of excellence, with three already completed and the remaining three at various stages of development. To bolster the country’s cancer treatment capacity, President Tinubu has authorized the procurement of 35 additional linear accelerators to expand access to radiotherapy services from 2027 to 2029.
Salako commended the members of the Global Advisory Council and the Technical Working Group for their expertise and resources in supporting Nigeria’s cancer control initiatives. He expressed gratitude for their assistance to pathology laboratories in the country and assured them that donated equipment would be effectively utilized to enhance diagnostic services.
He encouraged the council and the Technical Working Group to continue fostering partnerships and mobilizing global expertise and resources in support of Nigeria’s cancer control agenda. Salako expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among government, experts, development partners, and other stakeholders will significantly help in reducing the burden of cancer.
In addition, Salako inaugurated the Blood Cancer Consortium, which he described as a crucial platform for advancing knowledge and improving management outcomes for blood cancers. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring that the partnerships formed under the National Cancer Control Plan yield tangible benefits for the population and contribute to global cancer efforts.
Earlier, Daju Kachollom S. mni, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, welcomed the visiting delegation, expressing hope for beneficial outcomes from their engagement. Professor Folakemi Odedina, the Chairman of the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group, led the delegation and conveyed appreciation for the ministry’s trust and support.
Odedina noted that the initiative facilitates collaboration among Nigerian experts at home and abroad, as well as government, academia, healthcare providers, patients, and international partners around a unified vision for cancer control. She assured that the council would actively work with various subcommittees and national institutions to achieve measurable progress towards the cancer control targets set for 2030.
She also revealed that the NCCP Technical Working Group has become operational, establishing a coordinated national framework for implementation. Regarding cancer research, Odedina emphasized the need for a robust national oncology clinical trials ecosystem to develop investigators, strengthen institutions, and enhance patient access to clinical trials, positioning Nigeria as a significant contributor to cancer research in Africa.
The meeting concluded with the ceremonial signing of a strategic partnership agreement involving the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCCP Technical Working Group, and members of the Global Advisory Council.
