In a major move to improve cancer care across the country, the Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated three state-of-the-art oncology centres in Enugu, Katsina, and Edo States. These new centres are designed to provide world-class cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s healthcare reform.
The centres are located at :University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo
The launch was led by key government officials, including Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of Finance, Chief Wale Edun; and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Game Changing Infrastructure for Cancer Treatment The oncology centres are equipped with cutting edge medical equipment including Linear Accelerators, CT scan machines, water treatment plants, and advanced diagnostic tools. The centres aim to:Improve early cancer detection and treatment,Reduce the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for cancer care,Boost local research and clinical training,Deliver affordable, world-class care across regions
Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda in Action Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Pate noted that Nigeria records over 127,000 cancer cases and 80,000 related deaths annually. He emphasized that the new centres will help reverse the country’s heavy reliance on medical tourism.
“For too long, Nigerians have travelled abroad for cancer treatment. With these new centres, citizens can now access top quality care at home,” Pate stated.
He also revealed that an additional three oncology centr are being developed in Zaria, Jos, and Maiduguri, and that 500 more clinicians will be trained to expand cancer treatment nationwide.
A New Era in Healthcare Investment Finance Minister Wale Edun described the centres as a landmark achievement and a reflection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to building a robust healthcare system. He said improved fiscal reforms and rising revenues have enabled the government to channel more resources into health.
“This is not just healthcare development, it's national development. These centres meet global standards, and their impact will be felt for generations,” Edun said.
He also confirmed that the federal health budget has increased significantly to ₦2.48 trillion for 2025, up from ₦1.62 trillion in 2024, to support critical healthcare projects like this.
National Vision: Accessible Cancer Care for All
At the UNTH Enugu Centre, the government highlighted that the facility will serve not only the South-East, but also Neighboring regions. The project was implemented in partnership with Med Serve, a subsidiary of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), to ensure efficient operations.
Minister Idris added that these centres are part of the larger vision of medical industrialisation, which includes local manufacturing of drugs and equipment to make healthcare more sustainable and affordable.
“Going abroad for cancer treatment will now be a personal choice, not a necessity,” he said.
State Support and Public Expectations
Representing Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu, Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai urged the hospital management to maintain the facilities responsibly.
“This investment must be protected. Sustainability is key if we want these benefits to last,” he said.
With these oncology centres now operational and three more on the way, Nigeria is taking bold steps to change the narrative around cancer care. The initiative is not just about access to treatment it’s about building trust, improving outcomes, and offering hope to thousands of families affected by cancer.
These developments signal a turning point for Nigeria’s healthcare system, and position the country as a leader in regional medical infrastructure.
