The Federal Government of Nigeria is increasing investment in cancer care, local medicine production and research to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment while reducing the financial pressure on patients. The Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Usman Aliyu, announced this during the Best of American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Africa 2026 conference in Abuja.
The event, organised with the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), focused on moving global discoveries into practical solutions for African healthcare systems. Mr Aliyu said the government had introduced support programmes to make cancer treatment in Nigeria more affordable, although many patients still struggle with the cost of care.
He explained that the Catastrophic Health Fund under the National Health Insurance Authority helps eligible patients access cancer prevention services, diagnosis, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He added that NICRAT also manages the National Cancer Health Fund to assist cancer patients who cannot afford treatment.
“These are initiatives by the government to support Nigerians suffering from this dreadful disease,” he said.
Mr Aliyu said the local production of cancer medicines would grow through the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain. He added that experts at the conference would study international cancer research and adapt successful approaches for African health systems.
Lolade Adewale, Special Adviser on Research and Innovation to the Minister of State for Health, said the government was strengthening financial protection for cancer patients through insurance programmes. She noted that Nigeria had started three immunotherapy clinical studies, allowing some patients to access medicines such as Nivolumab and Keytruda through trials at no cost.
Experts also stressed the need for stronger research investment. Miriam Mutebi of AORTIC said Africa contributes only about eight per cent of global cancer research and called for greater funding. Julie Gralow of ASCO added that the partnership would support training, clinical research and better access to innovative therapies across Africa.
How can stronger local research and funding transform cancer care across Africa?
