President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved about N302.3 billion for the construction, furnishing, equipping and commissioning of a flagship National Cancer Institute aimed at transforming cancer research, diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria.
The Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
According to Malami, the project is expected to be completed within 36 months and will provide advanced facilities for cancer research, diagnosis, treatment, innovation and professional training.
He said the approval demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving cancer care and addressing persistent challenges affecting the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the country.
The NICRAT boss said the institute would also help reduce medical tourism by providing Nigerians with access to advanced cancer treatment locally, potentially saving millions of dollars currently spent on treatment abroad.
Beyond serving Nigerian patients, Malami said the facility could position Nigeria as a major destination for cancer treatment and research in Africa by attracting patients, researchers and healthcare professionals from other countries.
He added that the institute would serve as a hub for oncology research, innovation, and the training and retraining of cancer-care professionals across Africa.
The facility is also expected to support evidence-based health policies, technology-driven cancer care and partnerships with leading institutions in Nigeria and abroad.
Malami highlighted the recent upgrading of cancer centres in Katsina, Benin and Enugu as part of broader efforts to strengthen cancer care and expand access to treatment across the country.
He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako; and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, for their support.
Malami assured that NICRAT would work with government agencies, state governments, development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector to establish a coordinated national cancer control system.
He said the institute would work to ensure that the project delivers on the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda while strengthening Nigeria’s capacity for cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, research and professional training.
