Nigeria is set to transform cancer care with the launch of West Africa’s largest network of oncology and diagnostic centers, Nogerian media outlets reported. Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health, announced the initiative as the most significant cancer care investment by any Nigerian government.
Three new centers—at Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Nsukka, and University of Benin Teaching Hospital—will soon be commissioned by President Bola Tinubu. The network aims to serve 2,000 oncology patients and 350,000 diagnostic clients annually, supported by the training of 500 clinicians over three years.
To improve affordability, the National Health Insurance Authority introduced a N400,000 subsidy for eligible patients needing radiotherapy. Prof. Pate emphasized breaking down barriers to ensure quality, affordable cancer care nationwide. This move marks a major step in addressing Nigeria’s growing cancer burden.
