TINUBU APPROVES N302.3BN FOR NATIONAL CANCER RESEARCH AND TREATMENT CENTRE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved N302.3 billion for the construction and equipping of a new National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, as part of efforts to strengthen specialised healthcare services in Nigeria. The project is expected to expand the country’s capacity for cancer research, diagnosis, treatment and professional training.

The Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, disclosed the development on Tuesday. He described the approval as a major step towards improving cancer care and addressing some of the longstanding challenges associated with cancer treatment in the country.

According to the report, the project will cover the design, construction, furnishing, equipping, supervision and commissioning of the facility. The new institute is expected to be completed within 36 months and will provide advanced infrastructure for cancer research, treatment, innovation and capacity building.

Malami said the investment could help reduce the number of Nigerians travelling abroad for cancer treatment by providing access to sophisticated medical services within the country. He added that the facility could eventually position Nigeria as a destination for cancer treatment and research, attracting patients, medical professionals and researchers from other African countries.

The NICRAT director-general further explained that the institute would serve as a centre for oncology research and innovation while supporting the training and retraining of cancer-care professionals. He said it would also promote evidence-based healthcare policies and encourage collaboration between Nigerian institutions and leading international organisations.

The development comes alongside other Federal Government investments aimed at improving cancer services across Nigeria. Recent initiatives include the upgrading of cancer centres in Katsina, Benin and Enugu, as well as plans to expand access to modern cancer treatment equipment across the country.

Malami said NICRAT would work with government agencies, state governments, development partners, civil society organisations and private-sector stakeholders to establish a more coordinated national cancer-control system. He expressed confidence that the new facility would contribute to better cancer outcomes and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.