The Federal Government has announced plans to procure 25 additional linear accelerators between 2027 and 2029 as part of efforts to expand cancer treatment capacity and improve cancer care across the country.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed this in Abuja at a meeting of the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) Technical Working Group and Global Advisory Council.
Salako said the government was implementing the NCCP 2026 to 2030 framework, which focuses on cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, research and partnerships.
He said President Bola Tinubu had approved the three year plan to procure the additional 25 linear accelerators, which are used in radiation treatment for cancer patients.
The minister identified late presentation of patients, inadequate infrastructure, shortage of skilled personnel and limited funding as major challenges affecting cancer treatment in Nigeria.
He said prevention remained a major priority, noting that the President had approved the inclusion of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in the routine immunisation schedule to help prevent cervical cancer.
Salako added that the government was also strengthening hepatitis vaccination, expanding cervical cancer screening and integrating screening services into primary healthcare facilities nationwide.
He further disclosed that construction of six Cancer Centres of Excellence had commenced, with three already completed and work ongoing on the remaining centres.
The minister also inaugurated the Blood Cancer Consortium following the provision of equipment and other resources to strengthen pathology laboratories across the country.
President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, commended the government for adopting a coordinated approach to cancer control, stressing the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, researchers, clinicians, development partners and cancer organisations.
Chair of the NCCP Technical Working Group, Prof. Folakemi Odedina, said the group had moved from planning to implementation, with progress recorded in prevention, early detection, treatment, research, clinical trials, workforce development, palliative care and digital health.
She said the Global Advisory Council was also providing international expertise in areas including cancer prevention, genomics, data management, artificial intelligence and workforce development.
The meeting reviewed progress under the National Cancer Control Plan and explored strategies to strengthen coordinated action on cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, research and survivorship care in Nigeria.
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