FG Unveils New Cancer Control Roadmap, Prioritises Prevention and Early Detection

The Federal Government has launched two major national policy documents to strengthen cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, as part of efforts to address the growing cancer burden in Nigeria.
The policies—the National Nuclear Medicine Policy and Strategic Plan and the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) 2026–2030—were unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, during a ministerial briefing to mark the 2026 World Cancer Day.
Dr. Salako described the documents as a significant milestone under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the administration has made unprecedented investments in cancer care within a short period. He said cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, with cases projected to rise sharply, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
The minister said government efforts are increasingly focused on prevention, as a large proportion of cancer deaths are linked to modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, obesity and air pollution. He added that measures include expanding screening services and integrating cancer-preventive vaccines into the national immunisation programme.
According to him, the NCCP 2026–2030 provides a comprehensive framework for cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, research, governance and sustainable financing, while promoting the use of precision oncology and artificial intelligence.
Dr. Salako also announced that eight preventive oncology clinics are now operational in federal tertiary hospitals nationwide, while free cancer screening services will be offered across the country throughout February in collaboration with the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT).
Officials from the ministry and NICRAT reaffirmed the importance of early detection and pledged continued collaboration with local and international partners to reduce cancer-related deaths and improve patient outcomes in Nigeria.