FG Targets 30% Reduction In Nigeria’s Cancer Burden By 2030
Nigeria Aims for 30% Reduction in Cancer Burden by 2030
ABUJA — The Federal Government has set an ambitious goal of reducing Nigeria’s cancer burden by at least 30% by the year 2030. This initiative will focus on enhancing prevention strategies, improving early diagnosis, optimizing data management, and implementing standardized treatments.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, made the announcement on Wednesday during the opening of the 2026 International Cancer Week in Abuja.
The weeklong event, organized by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), carries the theme “United Against Cancer: Building Resilient, Innovative and Equitable Systems Across the Cancer Care Continuum.”
Salako explained that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with NICRAT, is actively executing a costed National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) for 2026–2030, which falls under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.
Key interventions in the plan include the establishment and commissioning of cancer centers of excellence, procurement of 35 linear accelerators over the next three years, and expanded diagnostic services through the Nigeria Cancer Access Partnership Programme.
To enhance prevention efforts, Salako noted the establishment of eight NICRAT Preventive Oncology Clinics distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. These clinics, along with national awareness campaigns, aim to increase access to early detection services. Over 18 million girls aged nine to 14 have received HPV vaccinations, and the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination is coordinating actions to meet the World Health Organization’s target for cervical cancer elimination by 2030.
Salako also emphasized the importance of innovation and research in cancer care, highlighting the use of digital health technologies, artificial intelligence, telemedicine, molecular diagnostics, precision medicine, and cancer registries to improve patient outcomes and clinical decision-making.
Financial protection for patients remains a crucial element of the plan. The government is focusing on establishing the National Cancer Health Fund and other mechanisms to prevent financial hardship from hindering access to treatment.
Additionally, Nigeria’s participation in the World Cancer Congress 2026 in Hong Kong has bolstered the nation’s cancer control initiatives. A delegation of 46 members, led by Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, presented the NCCP as a possible model for effective cancer policy implementation.
The congress also marked two significant milestones for Nigeria: Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu was appointed the first African President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), and Engraced Life Foundation received the 2026 World Cancer Day Campaign Award.
Salako reiterated the government’s commitment to equitable access to cancer treatment, stating, “Our goal is clear: no Nigerian should be denied lifesaving cancer care because of poverty, geography, or social circumstance.” He urged Nigerians to utilize available prevention, screening, and early-detection services.
He called upon government agencies, development partners, academic institutions, professional bodies, the private sector, civil society organizations, and patient groups to take measurable actions based on the insights gained from International Cancer Week.
