…A Major Leap Forward in Nigeria’s Fight Against Cancer

In a historic milestone for Nigeria’s health sector, the Federal Government has commissioned three ultra-modern oncology centres in Katsina, Nsukka, and Benin, reaffirming its commitment to expanding access to cancer care and tackling non-communicable diseases head-on.

The newly unveiled centres are located at the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Nsukka, and University of Benin Teaching Hospital were commissioned in a high-level ceremony led by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, alongside the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and Minister of Information, Alhaji Muhammad Idris Malagi.

Each facility is fully equipped with advanced diagnostic and radiotherapy technology and is expected to serve over 2,000 cancer patients annually, while delivering diagnostic services to more than 350,000 Nigerians across the regions.

This marks the first phase of a bold national vision to establish 10 oncology centres by 2026, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises affordable, equitable, and accessible healthcare for all.

What’s more:

👉🏾The centres will double as training hubs for over 500 oncology clinicians over the next three years.

👉🏾Implemented via a public-private partnership with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and its healthcare subsidiary, MedServe.

👉🏾A cost-sharing scheme with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) will make cancer treatment more affordable for low-income patients, offering subsidies up to ₦400,000 for radiotherapy.

The project forms a key pillar of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, reducing dependency on medical tourism and strengthening tertiary healthcare infrastructure.

With seven more centres underway and scheduled for commissioning by World Cancer Day 2026, the Federal Government is laying a strong foundation for better outcomes, earlier diagnosis, and stronger survival rates for Nigerians living with cancer.

📍 Upcoming sites include Maiduguri, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Yola, and other strategic locations.

Together, we are building a healthier future — one centre at a time.