In a significant move to enhance cancer treatment in Nigeria, the federal government on Thursday inaugurated three state-of-the-art oncology centres in Katsina, Edo, and Enugu states as part of a national effort to expand access to quality cancer care and reduce medical tourism.
The facilities, located at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina; University of Benin Teaching Hospital; and University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, are equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies. Three more centres are also in the pipeline for Zaria, Jos, and Maiduguri.
Speaking at the inauguration in Katsina, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, described the centres as a major milestone in Nigeria’s healthcare system. He noted that the initiative would help curb the “japa” syndrome, support global-standard research, and deliver impactful results for Nigerians.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, revealed that Nigeria currently records 127,000 cancer cases and 80,000 related deaths annually. He said the government’s intervention would focus on early detection, treatment, and prevention. He added that more centres would be built, and 350,000 diagnostic facilities would be provided nationwide in partnership with development organisations.
“Cancers caught early are more treatable,” Pate said, stressing the importance of timely diagnosis. He also announced that 500 clinicians would be trained to strengthen oncology care across the country.
At UNTH Enugu, the minister inaugurated an upgraded Linear Accelerator and Oncology Centre managed by MedServe, a subsidiary of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). The facility includes a CT scan machine, water treatment plant, and other essential infrastructure.
Pate reiterated the government’s commitment to ending the trend of medical tourism by making quality care available locally. He noted that the 2025 federal health budget had increased to ₦2.48 trillion, up from ₦1.62 trillion in 2024, enabled by recent economic reforms.
“This centre will serve not just Enugu, but the entire South-east. Instead of Nigerians going abroad for cancer care, people will now come to Nigeria,” he said.
Also speaking, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the facilities reflect President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to revamping the health sector and promoting medical industrialisation. He added that Nigerians now have a viable local option for world-class cancer treatment.
“What the president is doing is not only about improving healthcare but creating an ecosystem where medical equipment and drugs can be produced locally,” he said.
In Enugu, Edun reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to healthcare delivery, describing the oncology centre as a fulfilment of Tinubu’s promise and a key step in national development. He noted that with improved government revenues, more investments would be made in critical sectors.
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, represented by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, commended the federal government for the initiative and urged UNTH management to ensure proper maintenance and sustainability of the facility.
The inauguration ceremonies were attended by top federal and state government officials, health professionals, and development partners.
