New cancer centres – A bold step towards equitable healthcare in Nigeria

The federal government’s inauguration of three new cancer treatment centres in Katsina, Enugu, and Benin City, with seven more in the pipeline represents more than just a policy decision—it signals a long-overdue and commendable commitment to improving cancer care and revitalising Nigeria’s struggling healthcare system. Cancer has remained one of the deadliest diseases in Nigeria, […]

The federal government’s inauguration of three new cancer treatment centres in Katsina, Enugu, and Benin City, with seven more in the pipeline represents more than just a policy decision—it signals a long-overdue and commendable commitment to improving cancer care and revitalising Nigeria’s struggling healthcare system.

Cancer has remained one of the deadliest diseases in Nigeria, with limited access to timely diagnosis and treatment for the vast majority of citizens. Public awareness is alarmingly low. Many Nigerians still lack knowledge of the early symptoms, risk factors, and consequences of this life-threatening illness. Worse still, treatment costs remain unaffordable for many.

This reality is worsened by the persistent “brain drain” of qualified medical professionals.

According to recent data, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Nigeria, with approximately 127,000 new cases and 79,000 deaths annually.  Against this backdrop, the establishment of these new centres at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina; University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nsukka; and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Ugbowo, marks a significant milestone under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has said  more cancer centres—located in cities such as Maiduguri, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, and Yola—are expected to be completed and inaugurated by World Cancer Day 2026. A key goal of this initiative is not only treatment but also the training of 500 clinicians over the next three years, thereby boosting local capacity for cancer diagnosis and care.

In addition to building infrastructure, the federal government, in partnership with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has introduced a cost-sharing scheme to make radiotherapy more affordable. Through this initiative, low-income patients can receive subsidies of up to ₦400,000—offering a lifeline for many who would otherwise be unable to access treatment.

The new centres represent a strategic response to this gap, but much more is required. Cancer care in Nigeria must be comprehensive, combining infrastructure with public health initiatives. As someone who lost a friend’s aunt to breast cancer, I have witnessed firsthand how devastating this illness can be.

This is why awareness and prevention are as critical as treatment. The popular saying, “Prevention is better than cure,” should guide Nigeria’s cancer control strategy. Government agencies and civil society must work together to implement robust education campaigns in schools, religious centres, markets, and the media—especially in rural communities where myths and misconceptions still thrive.

Such campaigns should focus on early detection, healthy lifestyle choices, and the importance of screening. They must also promote a culture where people feel safe to speak openly about cancer, dismantling stigma and encouraging timely medical attention.

Ultimately, for these new cancer centres to have a meaningful impact, Nigeria must adopt a multi-pronged strategy: improve treatment access, strengthen preventive care, train healthcare workers, and ensure that cost does not remain a barrier to survival.

These initiatives represent more than just healthcare improvements—they symbolize hope. Hope for a Nigeria where cancer care is not a luxury for the wealthy but a right for every citizen. Hope for a future where stories like my friend’s aunt are rare, not routine. And hope for a healthcare system that leaves no one behind.

 

Fatima Ikram Abubakar is a Mass Communication student at Afe Babalola University, Ekiti [email protected]