The Federal Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to improving cancer prevention, research, diagnosis, and access to quality care across Nigeria, as part of a broader strategy to reduce the nation’s growing cancer burden.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 International Cancer Week (ICW) in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, represented by Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh (mni), Director Hospital Services Department in the Ministry; emphasized that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is determined to strengthen the national response to cancer through research, innovation, and collaboration.
Prof. Pate noted that the International Cancer Week, which was instituted by the Ministry about two decades ago, continues to serve as a vital platform for training, knowledge exchange, and policy dialogue among oncology experts, researchers, and advocates from within and outside Nigeria.
“The objectives of this International Cancer Week, which provides a platform for interaction and training toward improving oncology practice in Nigeria, are still very much on track,” he stated.
“I want to commend those who have been part of the history of this event from inception till date. Several stakeholders have contributed in various ways to ensure that the objectives are met.”
He commended the leadership of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) for sustaining the initiative and aligning its efforts with the broader national health reform agenda.
Addressing the 2025 theme, “Redefining Cancer Care: Prevention, Access, and the Future for All,” the Coordinating Minister described it as timely and comprehensive, covering the entire cancer care continuum from prevention to survivorship.
“In Nigeria, we have seen a rise in cancer cases, and we must act,” the Minister said. “We need to prioritize research, support collaboration, and ensure access to quality care. Let’s work together to advance our understanding of cancer etiology, develop context-specific solutions for Nigeria and Africa, enhance screening and treatment capabilities, and foster partnerships between researchers, clinicians, and communities.”
He further noted that cancer has become a major public health concern, with its management “abysmally catastrophic” in many cases. To address this, he said the Federal Government, in line with the National Strategic Health Development Plan II and the National Cancer Control Plan, is pursuing an integrated approach that strengthens human resources, improves infrastructure, and promotes research-driven interventions.
“The Ministry is making concerted efforts through research to increase preventive approaches, improve access to proper diagnosis and treatment, and collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to address the cancer menace in our society,” he stated.
As Professor Pate noted, “This is the beginning of the transformation in cancer care in Nigeria. Let’s continue to push forward, together, for a future where every Nigerian has access to equitable, quality cancer care.”
In his welcome address, the Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Professor Usman Malami Aliyu, highlighted the institute’s achievements in building international collaborations and strengthening local cancer research capacity.
Aliyu noted that the International Cancer Week has grown into a global convergence point for cancer research, groundbreaking science, and transformative ideas aimed at addressing Nigeria’s cancer challenges.
“The International Cancer Week remains a viable platform for global networking and awareness campaign for cancer care in Nigeria,” he said. “It fosters the adoption of innovative technologies, training of health professionals, and support for cancer survivors.”
He disclosed that NICRAT has signed over 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with renowned international institutions — including Johns Hopkins University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the European Comprehensive Cancer Centres to enhance cancer research, clinical care, and public health training.
He also announced the institute’s new initiative- Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Cancer Research and Implementation in Nigeria (SINCAD), designed to support teaching hospitals and early-career researchers across the six geopolitical zones.
“NICRAT has released a seed grant award of ₦10 million per project to each of the successful cancer researchers,” Aliyu revealed. “This will go a long way in paving an impactful cancer research pathway in Nigeria.”
In addition, he disclosed that the institute has embarked on the Nigerian Cancer Genome Study, focusing on mutation analysis and genetic variants in selected cancer types to promote personalized medicine and precision oncology.
Aliyu also commended the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which he said has provided “renewed hope” through increased support for cancer control initiatives, including the Task Force on the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Nigeria.
“We remain sincerely grateful for the huge support of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare under the leadership of Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate and Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako for transforming Nigeria’s health sector,” he added.
Delivering her goodwill message, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, President-elect of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, called for intensified public awareness and early detection campaigns, which she described as the most urgent steps toward reducing cancer mortality in Nigeria.
“Research is important, but awareness is the greatest low-hanging fruit,” she said. “Until we are able to diagnose cancer earlier, we will not benefit from the research or the new drugs that are emerging globally.”
She commended NICRAT for organizing what she described as “the most successful opening” of the International Cancer Week so far and praised the resilience of cancer survivors who continue to inspire advocates and researchers.
“Every day, I receive messages and images from women in both urban and rural communities battling cancer at advanced stages. The pain is enormous. We must invest more in awareness, early screening, and removing stigma,” she urged.
Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu also emphasized the need for African inclusion in global cancer research, noting that only about two percent of the human genome represented in cancer studies is African.
“We must change the narrative and insist on inclusion,” she said. “We are here to tell our story so the world can hear us. Cancer is tough, but we are tougher.”
The event also featured goodwill messages and addresses from several dignitaries and experts, including Her Excellency, Barrister Chioma Uzodinma, First Lady of Imo State, who served as Special Guest of Honour; members of the National Assembly Committees on Health; and international oncology experts such as Professor Anuja Dhingra from the Anderson Cancer Center, USA, who delivered the keynote lecture.
Other distinguished attendees included Dr. Xavier Sinclair, President-elect of the UICC, and Professor Ifeoma Okoye, chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee for the 2025 ICW, who was commended for her “superlative organization” of the event.
The 2025 International Cancer Week, jointly organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and NICRAT a parastatal of the Ministry; served as a convergence of policymakers, researchers, clinicians, advocates, and survivors dedicated to redefining the future of cancer care in Nigeria and across Africa.
The event concluded with a collective call to action for stronger research collaboration, sustained public awareness, improved access to care, and increased investment in cancer infrastructure to align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Health Agenda.
Signed
Alaba Balogun
Head, Information & Public Relations
18 October 2025
