By mercy Peter
No fewer than 127,000 cancer cases and 80,000 deaths recorded annually in Nigeria, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu launched three new world-class cancer treatment centres in Katsina, Enugu, and Benin to confront the growing health crisis.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, described cancer as a national emergency and said the centres will double Nigeria’s capacity for cancer care almost overnight.
He also announced plans to expand early detection services to 350,000 patients and train 500 clinicians in cancer treatment.
The centres are part of a larger plan to make cancer care more accessible, affordable, and locally available, ending decades of medical tourism.
The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, said the move reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to medical industrialisation building the capacity to produce healthcare solutions in Nigeria.
Also the Finance Minister Wale Edun said the initiative is also boosting the economy by creating jobs and reducing poverty linked to health expenses.
A special health insurance fund has also been included in the 2025 budget to support families battling cancer.
“This is a clear example of the Renewed Hope Agenda in action,” Idris said. “President Tinubu is saving lives and transforming healthcare.”
