The Federal Government has operationalised oncology-preventive clinics in eight tertiary hospitals, strengthening Nigeria’s cancer prevention, screening and early-detection capacity nationwide.
Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, confirmed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the 2026 World Cancer Day commemoration.
The event, with the theme ‘United by Unique,’ highlighted collective responsibility among government, institutions and citizens in tackling Nigeria’s growing cancer burden.
Salako said Nigeria “has made giant strides in cancer care and prevention” through sustained investments in infrastructure, policy reforms and specialised manpower development.
He said the newly activated clinics would significantly expand access to early screening services and reduce late cancer presentation and mortality.
“I am delighted to declare formally active eight oncology-preventive clinics,” Salako said, listing the facilities as Federal Medical Centre Abuja and Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.
Others are University of Benin Teaching Hospital and University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.
The remaining centres are Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano.
Salako also named Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, as part of the newly operational centres.
He urged Nigerians to embrace routine screening and early presentation at health facilities when symptoms first appear.
“Prevention, as we know, is not only better, it is cheaper. It is everything,” the minister emphasised.
According to him, National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has provided mammogram machines to support early breast-cancer detection at selected centres.
He also launched the Nigerian Nuclear Medicine Strategic Plan to strengthen diagnostic and therapeutic cancer services.
The minister unveiled the National Cancer Control Plan for 2026–2030 to guide investments in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient-centred research.
He said the plan aligned with the National Health Act 2014 and international frameworks on cancer control.
Salako added that it reflected commitments under the Union for International Cancer Control Declaration 2035.
He said the plan also aligned with the World Health Organisation Global Cancer Strategy, including childhood and breast-cancer initiatives.
