N302.3bn cancer institute to train oncology experts across Africa — NICRAT DG

Health

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) says the proposed N302.3 billion National Cancer Institute will serve as a major hub for training and retraining oncology experts and researchers from across Africa.

The Director-General of NICRAT, Prof. Usman Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the institute’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Hassan Zaggi.

Aliyu said the proposed facility, which has been approved by the Federal Executive Council and is expected to be completed within 36 months, would strengthen cancer research, treatment, innovation and professional capacity development in Nigeria.

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He said the institute would provide a platform for developing highly skilled cancer-care professionals while promoting evidence-based policymaking and technology-driven approaches to cancer treatment.

“It will equally be a centre for the development of highly skilled cancer care professionals.

“It will strengthen evidence-based policy-making, promote innovation and technology-driven cancer care, and foster collaboration with leading institutions within Nigeria, Africa and globally,” Aliyu said.

The NICRAT Director-General said the state-of-the-art institute would provide an enabling environment for oncology experts and researchers to conduct innovative studies across different areas of cancer care.

Beyond research and training, Aliyu said the facility would help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on overseas medical treatment by providing advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment within the country.

According to him, Nigeria loses millions of dollars annually as cancer patients travel abroad in search of specialised diagnosis and treatment.

He said the institute could also position Nigeria as a preferred destination for cancer treatment and research for patients and experts from other African countries and beyond, with the potential to improve the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

The proposed institute comes against the backdrop of persistent challenges in Nigeria’s cancer-care system, including limited access to early diagnosis, treatment and research.

Aliyu said these challenges have left many cancer patients unable to access prompt and affordable care, underscoring the need for stronger specialised healthcare infrastructure.

He described the approval of the institute as a “game changer” that would enhance Nigeria’s visibility and capacity in cancer treatment and research.

“The construction of the institute with state-of-the-art equipment will give Nigeria more visibility and dignity among comity of nations in terms of cancer care and research,” he said.

The NICRAT boss also cited the recent completion of upgraded cancer centres in Katsina, Benin and Enugu as part of ongoing efforts to expand access to specialised cancer services across the country.

He said the new institute would lay the foundation for a stronger healthcare system capable of responding more effectively and promptly to the evolving health needs of Nigeria’s growing population.

Aliyu commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the design, construction, furnishing, equipping, supervision and commissioning of the institute, describing the decision as a demonstration of the administration’s concern for the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.

He also commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, for his strategic leadership, as well as the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, for his advocacy and support.

Aliyu assured that NICRAT would continue working with relevant ministries, departments and agencies, state governments, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and other stakeholders to build a coordinated national cancer-control system.

He added that the management and staff of the institute were committed to ensuring that the project delivered on the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.