Nigeria is set to expand cancer treatment as President Bola Tinubu approves 35 additional linear accelerators.
The machines are expected to strengthen radiotherapy services and increase treatment capacity across the country.
The equipment is scheduled for procurement between 2027 and 2029 under the National Cancer Control Plan.
Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, disclosed the approval in Abuja. He said the plan forms part of efforts to improve cancer care between 2026 and 2030.
Salako also revealed that six cancer centres are being developed across Nigeria.
Three centres have been completed, while work continues on the remaining three facilities.
Beyond treatment, the government is also focusing on preventing cancer and detecting it earlier.
“Prevention is better and cheaper than cure. We are doing everything possible to expand routine immunisation, broaden screening and improve early detection,” Salako said.
The minister said HPV vaccination remains part of efforts to prevent cervical cancer.
The government is also expanding cervical cancer screening at primary and secondary healthcare levels.
Meanwhile, the ministry inaugurated the Blood Cancer Consortium to improve care for blood cancer patients.
The platform will bring healthcare professionals and other stakeholders together to strengthen cancer management. Prof. Folakemi Odedina, who chairs the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group, highlighted the importance of research.
She said the group is working to improve cancer research and develop stronger oncology clinical trials.
Partnerships with international cancer institutions are also expected to support research and treatment capacity.
