President Tinubu Launches West Africa’s Largest Cancer Care Initiative

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks the midpoint of his first term, his administration has unveiled the most ambitious investment in cancer care in Nigeria’s history: the creation of West Africa’s largest network of oncology and diagnostic centres.

Announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, this milestone initiative includes newly constructed cancer treatment centres at the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Nsukka, and University of Benin Teaching Hospital, all set to be commissioned by Mr. President and opened to the public.

The centres will train up to 500 clinicians over the next three years and are projected to serve 2,000 oncology patients and 350,000 diagnostic clients annually. To ensure long-term impact, key institutional personnel are currently undergoing advanced training in South Africa.

In addition, the National Health Insurance Authority has launched a targeted cost-sharing programme to expand access to treatment, offering subsidies of up to N400,000 for eligible radiotherapy patients—significantly easing the burden on families and improving health outcomes.

This landmark initiative reflects the compassionate and reform-driven leadership of President Tinubu, bringing the Renewed Hope Agenda to life by making quality, affordable cancer care a national standard.