26/08/2026
๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ง๐ถ๐ป๐๐ฏ๐โ๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฒ ๐๐ด๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฎ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ: ๐ก๐ถ๐ด๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฎ ๐๐ผ ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ ๐ช๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐ณ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎโ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ด๐ฒ๐๐, ๐๐ฒ๐๐-๐๐พ๐๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ป๐๐๐ถ๐๐๐๐ฒ
By Prof. Usman Malami
The approval by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the construction of a purpose-built headquarters for the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) marks a historic milestone in Nigeriaโs renewed fight against cancer and a bold expression of the Presidentโs Renewed Hope Agenda in the health sector.
This landmark Presidential approval positions Nigeria as a regional hub for Cancer Care, Research and Innovation
The project is set to establish the largest and most comprehensively equipped cancer institute in the West African sub region, positioning Nigeria to emerge as a regional hub for cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, research, training, surveillance and innovation.
The Presidential approval demonstrates President Tinubuโs determination to translate the Renewed Hope Agenda into tangible improvements in the lives and wellbeing of Nigerians, particularly through investments that strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand access to specialized services and build national capacity in critical areas of healthcare.
Cancer remains one of the most pressing public health challenges facing Nigeria. For too many Nigerians, cancer diagnosis continues to be associated with late presentation, limited access to specialized care, high treatment costs and the need to travel long distances in search of appropriate services. The establishment of a world class national cancer institute represents a decisive response to these challenges.
The new NICRAT headquarters will provide a national platform for integrated and coordinated cancer control, bringing together prevention, screening and early detection, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, research, training, cancer surveillance and innovation within a strengthened national framework.
More than a physical infrastructure project, the Institute represents a strategic national investment in the future of cancer care in Nigeria. It will support the development of highly skilled cancer care professionals, advance locally relevant cancer research, strengthen evidence-based policymaking, promote innovation and technology, and foster collaboration with leading institutions within Nigeria, Africa and globally.
The project also reinforces the Federal Governmentโs broader commitment to building a stronger, more resilient and sustainable health system, consistent with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
By investing in specialized healthcare infrastructure and national institutions, the President Tinubu-led administration is laying the foundation for a health system capable of responding more effectively to the evolving needs of Nigeriaโs growing population.
NICRAT and indeed, Nigerians are particularly grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his vision, leadership and confidence in the Institute. This approval sends a powerful message that cancer control is a national priority and that every Nigerian affected by cancer deserves access to quality, timely and comprehensive care.
The Institute also commends the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, for his strategic leadership and commitment to transforming Nigeriaโs health sector, as well as the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, for his dogged advocacy, commitment and support in helping to move this important vision from aspiration to reality.
Also worthy of mention is the encouragement and support given to the Institute by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kacholom.
NICRAT will continue to work with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, state governments, development partners, academic institutions, healthcare professionals, civil society and the private sector to build a coordinated national cancer control system that delivers measurable impact.
The new Institute will strengthen Nigeriaโs position as a center of excellence for oncology in Africa, while creating opportunities for regional collaboration, knowledge exchange, specialist training and cutting-edge cancer research.
For NICRAT, the mandate is clear: to transform this historic investment into better outcomes for Nigerians.
We, therefore, assure Mr. President that NICRAT will work tirelessly to ensure that this landmark project delivers on the promise of the Renewed Hope Agenda: saving lives, reducing the burden of cancer, strengthening cancer services, advancing research and innovation, developing the next generation of oncology professionals, and giving millions of Nigerians renewed hope in the fight against cancer.
This is more than a new building. It is an investment in life. An investment in dignity. An investment in the future of Nigeriaโs health system. And, most importantly, an investment in renewed hope for every Nigerian affected by cancer.
Prof. Malami is the Director-General/CEO, National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT)
