By Hassan Hussain
The Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, NICRAT, Professor Usman Malami Aliyu, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of a National Cancer Institute at a cost of about ₦302.3 billion.
Professor Malami gave the commendation in a statement in Abuja following the announcement by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, at last Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting.
The project, expected to be completed within 36 months, will involve the design, construction, furnishing, equipping, supervision and commissioning of the National Cancer Institute.
The NICRAT Director-General described the approval as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of Nigerians.
He said the project would strengthen cancer research, treatment, innovation and capacity building, while providing world-class cancer services in the country.
Professor Malami noted that the establishment of the Institute would position Nigeria as a major centre for sophisticated cancer care and research in Africa and beyond.
He also commended the recent upgrading of cancer centres in the country, noting that facilities in Katsina, Benin and Enugu had already been completed.
According to him, cancer has remained a major challenge in Nigeria over the years due to inadequate access to early diagnosis, treatment and research facilities.
The NICRAT boss said the new Institute would help address some of these challenges and enhance Nigeria’s visibility in the global fight against cancer.
He described the project as a game changer that would help reduce medical tourism, as Nigerians would have access to more sophisticated cancer diagnosis and treatment within the country.
Professor Malami added that the Institute could also make Nigeria a destination of choice for cancer treatment and research in Africa and beyond, thereby contributing to the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
He said the facility would provide an enabling environment for oncology experts to undertake innovative research, while serving as a hub for the training and retraining of cancer care professionals and researchers across Africa.
The Director-General further said the Institute would promote evidence-based policy-making, technology-driven cancer care and collaboration with leading institutions in Nigeria and across the world.
Professor Malami also commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, for his leadership and commitment to transforming the health sector.
He equally appreciated the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, for his advocacy and support towards the realisation of the project.
The NICRAT boss acknowledged the support of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom.
He assured that NICRAT would continue to work with relevant ministries, departments and agencies, state governments, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and other stakeholders to strengthen the national cancer control system.
Professor Malami pledged the commitment of the management and staff of NICRAT to ensuring that the project delivers on the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
