The federal government has stated that it is increasing funding, local drug manufacturing, and research to improve cancer treatment, prevention and diagnosis while easing the financial strain on patients.
Prof. Usman Aliyu, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, shared this on Saturday in Abuja during the Best of American Society of Clinical Oncology Africa 2026 conference.
The conference, organized in partnership with the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer, features the theme, “From Global Discovery to Local Delivery: Driving Africa to the Cutting Edge of Cancer Care.”
Aliyu noted that while the government has taken steps to reduce the cost of cancer treatment, many Nigerians still cannot afford it.
He noted that for qualified patients, the National Health Insurance Authority’s Catastrophic Health Fund provided subsidised costs for cancer prevention, diagnosis, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Aliyu explained that the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain will boost access to affordable therapy and drive local manufacturing of cancer drugs.
He added that specialists at the conference will review groundbreaking research from the ASCO annual meeting and adapt those proven strategies for African healthcare systems.
Meanwhile, Dr. Lolade Adewale, Special Adviser on Research and Innovation to the Minister of State for Health, noted that the government is expanding financial protection for cancer patients through targeted insurance programs.
Speaking further, she said the Cancer Health Fund and the Social Determinants of Health Fund would improve access to treatment for eligible patients.
Hike In Cancer Treatment Costs
The cost of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy and other essential medications has climbed sharply in recent years, driven by inflation, exchange rate volatility and the country’s heavy reliance on imported medical equipment and cancer drugs.
As a result, many families are forced to seek public donations, sell assets or discontinue treatment altogether because of the enormous financial burden. Medical experts and patient advocacy groups have repeatedly called for expanded health insurance coverage, subsidised treatment and increased investment in oncology centres to make cancer care more accessible.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, despite government investments, many cancer patients still face financial barriers and said the government would continue to expand subsidised cancer treatment, strengthen cancer infrastructure and improve access to care
Additionally, the Association of Radiation Oncologists of Nigeria (ARCON) previously urged the Federal Government to set up more cancer treatment centers across the country. The group emphasized that Nigeria needs greater investment to boost access to care and curb cancer-related deaths.
Backstory…
Beyond the cost of treatment, Nigeria has witnessed a steady rise in the number of cancer cases and other life-threatening non-communicable diseases. According to health authorities and cancer specialists, breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal and liver cancers remain among the most commonly diagnosed in the country, with many patients presenting at advanced stages due to poor awareness, inadequate screening and limited access to specialist care.
At the same time, cases of chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases have also increased, placing additional pressure on an already stretched healthcare system. Public health experts have consistently warned that without stronger investments in early detection, prevention and treatment infrastructure, the burden of terminal illnesses is likely to continue rising across Nigeria.
Read Also: Nigeria records 543% surge in breast cancer cases as Africa tops global rise- Study
