FG clarifies status of FMC Jabi, says facility not among 12 cancer centres of excellence

By Al-Mustapha A. Mustapha The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), has clarified the status of oncology services at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi, following concerns raised in a viral video by a cancer patient. In a statement on Sunday, NICRAT said FMC Jabi is not among the 12 tertiary hospitals designated […]

FG clarifies status of FMC Jabi, says facility not among 12 cancer centres of excellence

national institute for cancer research and treatment (nicrat)

By Al-Mustapha A. Mustapha

The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), has clarified the status of oncology services at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi, following concerns raised in a viral video by a cancer patient.

In a statement on Sunday, NICRAT said FMC Jabi is not among the 12 tertiary hospitals designated by the Federal Government as Cancer Centres of Excellence.

It explained that the selected hospitals constitute the backbone of ongoing national reforms aimed at improving cancer treatment across the six geopolitical zones.

The institute said the reforms are supported by a dedicated federal budget for cancer control introduced in 2024, explaining that the allocation marked the first time Nigeria has set aside specific funding for nationwide cancer intervention.

NICRAT disclosed that the Federal Government has placed orders for new oncology equipment for all designated centres, while capacity-building programmes are underway to train oncologists, nurses, radiographers, medical physicists and biomedical engineers to strengthen the national cancer workforce.

It added that the institute is working with FMC Jabi under a new Preventive Oncology Programme to support the facility’s upgrade into a stronger cancer care centre for the Federal Capital Territory.

NICRAT also said efforts to expand cancer registries, improve access to essential medicines and strengthen cancer surveillance systems are ongoing, noting that the Federal Government remains committed to improving cancer care nationwide.