The Federal Government has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing cancer prevention, research, diagnosis, and access to quality care across Nigeria, highlighting its commitment to reducing the growing cancer burden in the country. This was underscored during the 2025 International Cancer Week (ICW) held in Abuja, with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare at the forefront of the event.
The opening ceremony was addressed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, represented by Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh , Director of the Hospital Services Department in the Ministry. The Minister emphasized the government’s focus on bolstering the national response to cancer through innovation, research, and collaboration.
“The rise in cancer cases in Nigeria is alarming, and urgent action is needed,” said Prof. Pate. “We must prioritize research, enhance screening and treatment capabilities, and promote global partnerships to improve cancer care for all Nigerians.”
This year’s ICW theme, “Redefining Cancer Care: Prevention, Access, and the Future for All,” was praised for its timely and comprehensive approach, encompassing the entire cancer care spectrum, from prevention to survivorship. The Minister further commended the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) for sustaining the initiative and contributing to Nigeria’s broader health reform agenda.
Professor Usman Malami Aliyu, Director-General of NICRAT, highlighted the institute’s continued success in fostering international collaborations and advancing local cancer research. NICRAT has forged over 20 partnerships with global institutions, including Johns Hopkins University and the European Comprehensive Cancer Centres, to enhance research and clinical care.
Aliyu also unveiled the new “Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Cancer Research and Implementation in Nigeria (SINCAD)” initiative, aimed at supporting teaching hospitals and early-career researchers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. He revealed that NICRAT has allocated ₦10 million seed grants to researchers, bolstering cancer research in the country.
The Nigerian Cancer Genome Study, another initiative launched by NICRAT, focuses on mutation analysis to promote personalized medicine and precision oncology.
Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, President-elect of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, underscored the importance of public awareness and early detection in combating cancer mortality. She emphasized that while research is vital, diagnosing cancer early remains the most crucial step in saving lives.
“It’s not enough to wait for breakthroughs in drugs and treatments; we need to catch cancer in its early stages,” Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu stressed. She also highlighted the need for greater African representation in global cancer research, pointing out that African genomes are underrepresented in cancer studies.
The event concluded with calls to action for stronger research collaborations, increased public awareness, and improved access to cancer care in Nigeria. The renewed efforts align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Health Agenda,” focusing on transformative healthcare policies and infrastructure development.
The 2025 ICW also saw participation from notable figures, including Barrister Chioma Uzodinma, First Lady of Imo State, and several international oncology experts, further solidifying Nigeria’s role in global cancer care efforts.
The successful event, jointly organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and NICRAT, has set the stage for future advancements in cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment, while pushing for a united effort to combat cancer across the continent.
