FG approves procurement of 35 linear accelerators for Cancer treatment
By Precious Mark
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the procurement of 35 additional linear accelerators between 2027 and 2029 to expand access to radiotherapy and strengthen cancer treatment capacity across Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting with members of the Global Advisory Council of the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group.
Salako said the investment is part of the government’s broader efforts under the National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030 to strengthen cancer prevention, early detection and treatment, with support from partnerships and international expertise.
He said the government is also expanding cancer treatment infrastructure. Six cancer centres are being developed across the country, with three completed and the remaining three under construction.
The Minister said the Federal Government has placed emphasis on prevention, citing the President’s approval of Human Papillomavirus, HPV, vaccination as part of routine immunisation as a major step toward preventing cervical cancer.
He added that government is broadening cervical cancer screening, improving public awareness and integrating selected screening services into primary and secondary levels of care to strengthen early detection. A Cervical Cancer Elimination Council has also been established.
“Prevention is better and cheaper than cure. We are doing everything possible to expand routine immunisation, broaden screening and improve early detection,” he said.
Salako commended members of the Global Advisory Council and the Technical Working Group for providing expertise, experience, networks and resources to support Nigeria’s cancer control agenda.
He called for wider international partnerships to accelerate progress toward improved cancer outcomes.
The Minister also inaugurated the Blood Cancer Consortium, describing it as an important platform for advancing collaboration, knowledge and improved outcomes in the management of blood cancers.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom S., welcomed the delegation and expressed hope that the engagement would contribute to improved cancer outcomes for Nigerians.
Chairman of the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group, Professor Folakemi Odedina, said the initiative has brought together Nigerian experts at home and in the diaspora, government, academia, healthcare providers, patients, advocates, industry and international partners around a common national vision for cancer control.
She said the Technical Working Group is now operational and is working to strengthen cancer research and develop a stronger national oncology clinical trials ecosystem, while fostering strategic partnerships between Nigerian institutions and leading global cancer centres.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a strategic partnership between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group and members of the Global Advisory Council.