Federal Government of Nigeria has commissioned three “ultra-modern” oncology centers in Katsina, Nsukka, and Benin, a major leap forward in Nigeria’s fight against cancer.
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The newly unveiled centres are located at the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Nsukka, and University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
They were commissioned 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.
The Federal Ministry of Health disclosed this in a statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) page on Friday.
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.
The Ministry stated that “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.”
“It forms a key pillar of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, reducing dependency on medical tourism and strengthening tertiary healthcare infrastructure,” the statement added.
“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,” the Ministry concluded.
Upcoming sites include Maiduguri, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Yola, and other locations.
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.
Nnamdi Maduakor is a Writer, Investor and Entrepreneur
