The Federal Government has approved the procurement of 35 additional linear accelerators as part of efforts to expand access to radiotherapy and improve cancer treatment across Nigeria.
The machines are expected to be procured between 2027 and 2029, increasing the country’s capacity to provide radiation treatment to cancer patients.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed this in Abuja while receiving members of the Global Advisory Council of the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group.
According to Salako, the approval forms part of the government’s National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030, which aims to strengthen cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
FG shifts focus to prevention and early detection
Salako said the government was also focusing more on preventing cancer and detecting the disease early, rather than relying mainly on treatment after diagnosis.
“Prevention is better and cheaper than cure. We are doing everything possible to expand routine immunisation, broaden screening and improve early detection.”
He said the inclusion of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in routine immunisation is among the measures being used to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
The government is also expanding cervical cancer screening, with selected services being made available at primary and secondary healthcare facilities to help detect the disease earlier.
Six cancer centres under development
The minister also disclosed that work is ongoing on six cancer centres across the country, with three already completed and construction continuing on the remaining three.
In another development, the ministry inaugurated the Blood Cancer Consortium, bringing together health professionals and other stakeholders to strengthen the management of blood cancers in Nigeria.
Prof. Folakemi Odedina, chairman of the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group, said the initiative brings together Nigerian cancer experts, researchers, healthcare providers, patients, advocates and international partners.
She added that the group was working to strengthen cancer research and establish a more effective system for oncology clinical trials in Nigeria.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a strategic partnership between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group and the Global Advisory Council.
The government said the partnership would support the implementation of Nigeria’s cancer control programme and improve treatment outcomes for people living with cancer.
Source: Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
