Abuja: The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) announced that the proposed N302.3 billion National Cancer Institute will function as a hub for training and retraining oncology experts and researchers across Africa. Prof. Usman Aliyu, Director-General of NICRAT, revealed this in a statement released by the institute’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Hassan Zaggi.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the facility, which has been approved by the Federal Executive Council, is expected to be completed within 36 months. It aims to bolster cancer research, treatment, innovation, and capacity building in Nigeria. Prof. Aliyu emphasized that the institute will also be a center for developing highly skilled cancer care professionals, strengthening evidence-based policy-making, promoting technology-driven cancer care, and fostering collaboration with leading institutions globally.
The institute is set to provide an environment conducive to innovative research in various areas of cancer. It seeks to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on medical tourism by offering advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment locally, potentially saving millions of dollars spent annually by patients traveling abroad for treatment. Prof. Aliyu added that the institute could position Nigeria as a preferred destination for cancer treatment and research, thereby enhancing the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
The project is seen as a foundation for a more robust healthcare system in Nigeria, capable of addressing the evolving health needs of its growing population. Prof. Aliyu remarked that cancer has been a significant challenge in Nigeria due to inadequate access to early diagnosis, treatment, and research, leaving many patients without prompt and affordable care.
Prof. Aliyu also highlighted the recent completion of upgraded cancer centers in Katsina, Benin, and Enugu, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen specialized cancer care in the country. He described the approval of the new institute as a transformative step that would elevate Nigeria’s capacity and visibility in cancer care and research.
Commending President Bola Tinubu for approving the institute’s design, construction, furnishing, equipping, supervision, and commissioning, Prof. Aliyu described the decision as a commitment to the health and wellbeing of Nigerians. He also praised the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, for their leadership and support.
Prof. Aliyu assured that NICRAT would continue collaborating with relevant ministries, state governments, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, and other stakeholders to build a coordinated national cancer control system. He reaffirmed the commitment of the institute’s management and staff to achieving the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.