Nigeria has signed a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and research across the country. The agreement was signed between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group (NCCPTWG) and members of the Global Advisory Council at the conclusion of a meeting in Abuja.
The partnership forms part of efforts to implement Nigeria’s National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030 and address persistent gaps in cancer care.
Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said strategic partnerships would be critical to advancing the country’s cancer-control efforts. The Federal Government said it has commenced the development of six cancer centres of excellence, with three already completed. It also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the procurement of 35 additional linear accelerators between 2027 and 2029 to expand access to radiotherapy.
The cancer-control strategy also prioritises prevention and early detection through measures including Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, cervical cancer screening and the integration of screening services into primary healthcare facilities.
The new partnership is expected to strengthen access to international expertise and support capacity building, cancer research and the development of a stronger clinical-trials ecosystem in Nigeria.
Professor Folakemi Odedina, Chair of the NCCPTWG, said the initiative would help build the capacity of Nigerian researchers and institutions to participate more actively in cancer research.
The collaboration brings together leading global cancer institutions, including the University of Maryland Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fox Chase Cancer Center and Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Nigeria continues to face challenges in cancer control, including late presentation, limited infrastructure, inadequate specialist manpower and constrained resources.
Nigeria’s move comes amid a wider global cancer challenge, with the World Health Organization warning that cancer cases could rise sharply in the coming decades. Global cancer cases could double by 2050, WHO warns. Its eventual impact, however, will depend on how effectively the commitments translate into accessible services, stronger specialist capacity and timely care for Nigerians living with cancer.
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