President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved about N302.3 billion for the construction, furnishing, equipping and commissioning of a flagship National Cancer Institute in Nigeria….
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved about N302.3 billion for the construction, furnishing, equipping and commissioning of a flagship National Cancer Institute 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, describing the approval as a major boost to cancer care and research in the country.
The project, which is expected to be completed within 36 months, will provide advanced facilities for cancer research, diagnosis, treatment, innovation and capacity building.
Malami said the approval demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving healthcare and addressing longstanding challenges in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
He said the institute would help reduce medical tourism by providing Nigerians with access to sophisticated cancer services locally, potentially saving millions of dollars currently spent on treatment abroad.
According to him, the facility could also position Nigeria as a destination for cancer treatment and research in Africa, with the potential to attract patients, researchers and professionals from other countries and generate foreign exchange for the country.
The NICRAT director-general said the institute would serve as a hub for oncology research and innovation, as well as training and retraining cancer-care professionals across Africa.
He added that the facility would support evidence-based health policy, technology-driven cancer care and collaboration with leading institutions in Nigeria, Africa and globally.
Malami also highlighted the recent upgrading of cancer centres in Katsina, Benin and Enugu, saying the initiatives demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening cancer care.
He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, for their roles in advancing the project.
He also appreciated the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, for her support.
Malami assured the President that NICRAT would work with government agencies, state governments, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and other stakeholders to establish a coordinated national cancer control system.
He said the institute’s management and staff were committed to ensuring that the project delivered on the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
