FG Expands Cancer Care Through Funding and Local Production

The Federal Government says it is strengthening cancer care by increasing funding, supporting local medicine production and expanding research to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment across Nigeria. The measures also aim to reduce the financial burden on patients.

Speaking at the Best of American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Africa 2026 Conference in Abuja, Usman Aliyu, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), said the government has introduced several initiatives to make cancer care more affordable. He explained that the Catastrophic Health Fund, managed by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), provides support for cancer prevention, diagnosis, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for eligible patients. He added that NICRAT also operates the National Cancer Health Fund to assist indigent patients.

Aliyu said the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain would encourage local production of cancer medicines and improve access to affordable treatment. He noted that experts at the conference would examine leading studies presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting and adapt proven innovations to African healthcare systems. “We are trying to domesticate expensive treatments by producing much-needed medicines locally and translating global research into action in our clinics,” he said.

Lolade Adewale, Special Adviser on Research and Innovation to the Minister of State for Health, said the government is also expanding insurance coverage through the Cancer Health Fund and the Social Determinants of Health Fund. She revealed that Nigeria has started its first three immunotherapy clinical studies, giving participating patients free access to medicines such as Nivolumab and Keytruda.

The conference also highlighted the need for stronger investment in African cancer research. Miriam Mutebi, Immediate Past President of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), said Africa contributes only about eight per cent of global cancer research despite its growing disease burden. Participants agreed that stronger collaboration, research and innovation remain essential to improving cancer care across the continent.

How important do you think increased local research and medicine production will be in improving cancer care across Africa?