The Federal Government has announced a record budgetary allocation for cancer infrastructure in 2025 as part of efforts to tackle the estimated 5,900 cancer-related deaths recorded annually in Nigeria, according to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako.
Speaking at the launch of the Innovative Cancer Medicines Demonstration Project on Tuesday at the National Hospital, Abuja, Dr Salako said the initiative marks a major leap in Nigeria’s pursuit of equitable access to modern cancer care and treatment.
‘It gives me great pleasure to be here today as part of this formal launch of the Innovative Cancer Medicines Demonstration Project – a pioneering effort that marks another major stride in Nigeria’s journey towards equitable access to cancer care,’ he said.
The Minister noted that the enrolment of the first Nigerian patient in the study ‘represents more than clinical progress. It represents hope; hope that patients in low- and middle-income countries will no longer have to wait decades, with many lives lost, to benefit from lifesaving innovations available elsewhere.’
He described the collaboration involving the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI), Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), Roche, and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare as a model of ‘how global solidarity, scientific excellence, and national leadership can converge to transform outcomes.’
Highlighting the burden of the disease, Salako said, ‘Cancer remains a leading cause of death in Nigeria, with colorectal cancer – the second most common in men and the fourth overall – almost tripling in incidence over the past four decades. Due to late presentation and limited treatment options, colorectal cancer alone is responsible for nearly 5,900 deaths every year in our country.’
He revealed that under the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, the Federal Government is determined to reverse the trend through strategic investment in prevention, treatment, and research.
‘In the 2025 budget, the government has provided unarguably the highest budgetary allocation for cancer infrastructural development in furtherance of this commitment,’ he said. ‘We are not just focusing on treatment. Attention is also being paid to prevention by raising awareness on lifestyle modification, scaling up immunisation for vaccine-preventable cancers, and providing screening services.’
The new demonstration project introduces nivolumab, an immunotherapy drug that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
‘For Nigeria, this is not merely a demonstration study; it is a proof of possibility that innovative cancer care can be delivered safely, sustainably, and locally,’ he said. ‘Through this project, we will gather critical data on patient experiences, health system readiness, and the infrastructure investments needed to scale such therapies nationwide.’
Salako said the initiative aligns with the National Cancer Control Plan and the Renewed Hope Health Agenda, both of which prioritise early detection, research, and affordable access to treatment.
He noted that oncology care remains one of the leading causes of outbound medical tourism, a situation the government aims to change. ‘Six regional cancer centres of excellence have been constructed, with three already commissioned and the remaining to be commissioned soon,’ he said.
The Minister also urged regulators to balance diligence with efficiency. ‘We must work out protocols and mechanisms that do not create stumbling blocks to innovation, even as we protect public health,’ he advised.
Commending the National Hospital Abuja and partner organisations, he added, ‘To our local oncologists, nurses, researchers, and patient advocates, your work forms the backbone of this progress. Without your commitment, today’s milestone would not have been possible.’