The 36-month project is designed to transform cancer research, diagnosis and treatment while expanding access to advanced oncology services for patients across Nigeria….reports Africa Daily News Desk
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved about N302.3 billion for the construction, furnishing, equipping and commissioning of a flagship National Cancer Institute, in a major move aimed at transforming cancer research, diagnosis and treatment in the country.
The purpose-built institute is expected to be completed within 36 months and will bring together advanced oncology research, sophisticated diagnosis and treatment, innovation, professional training and capacity building under a single national platform.
The project is designed to go beyond the conventional role of a hospital and serve as a national and pan-African hub for cancer care and research. It is expected to support clinical trials, evidence-based health policies, as well as the training and retraining of oncology professionals from across Africa.
The investment is also aimed at addressing Nigeria’s longstanding challenge of medical tourism, particularly the need for patients to travel abroad for specialised cancer treatment.
By expanding access to highly specialised cancer services within the country, the government expects the institute to reduce the number of Nigerians seeking treatment overseas, retain healthcare spending domestically and create opportunities for Nigeria to attract patients, researchers and medical professionals from across Africa.
The project will complement the planned upgrading of cancer treatment centres in Katsina, Benin and Enugu, strengthening the country’s wider oncology infrastructure and contributing to a more coordinated national cancer-control system.
The initiative is being presented by the government as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and expanding access to advanced medical care.
The government said the investment represents more than the construction of another medical facility, describing it as an investment in life-saving healthcare, medical research, human capital and Nigeria’s ability to provide world-class treatment at home.
The institute is also expected to help position Nigeria as a centre for oncology excellence in Africa by combining healthcare infrastructure with research, innovation and specialist training.
The announcement comes amid broader efforts to strengthen public-sector capacity and improve the management of resources allocated to national development priorities.
The government has stressed the importance of accurate records and effective controls in the management of public resources, noting that leakages caused by improperly employed individuals on government payrolls or fictitious entities accessing public funds could divert resources from legitimate priorities.
The administration said stronger accountability and effective management of public resources would be essential to ensuring that major investments such as the National Cancer Institute deliver their intended benefits to Nigerians.
