FG commissions oncology centres in three states to enhance cancer care

By Kunle Sanni –

The Federal Government has commissioned three state-of-the-art oncology centres in Katsina, Nsukka, and Benin as part of a national strategy to improve access to cancer care and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.

The facilities, located at the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Nsukka, and University of Benin Teaching Hospital, were unveiled during a ceremony led by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate. He was joined by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Minister of Information, Alhaji Muhammad Idris Malagi.

Each centre is fully equipped with modern diagnostic and radiotherapy technology and is expected to serve over 2,000 cancer patients annually, in addition to providing diagnostic services to more than 350,000 Nigerians across their respective regions.

The initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises affordable and equitable healthcare. The three oncology centres mark the first phase in the government’s broader plan to establish 10 such centres nationwide by 2026.

“This is a major leap forward in Nigeria’s fight against cancer and non-communicable diseases,” Prof. Pate said at the event, noting that the project aligns with the broader Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

The oncology centres will also function as training hubs for over 500 oncology clinicians over the next three years, helping to address the shortage of specialised healthcare personnel.

The project is being implemented through a public-private partnership with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and its healthcare arm, MedServe. To ease the financial burden on patients, a cost-sharing arrangement with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) will provide subsidies of up to ₦400,000 for radiotherapy treatments, especially for low-income Nigerians.

Seven additional oncology centres are currently under development and are scheduled to be commissioned by World Cancer Day in 2026. These will be located in strategic cities, including Maiduguri, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, and Yola.