FG Unveils Cancer Roadmap as Nigeria Targets 30% Reduction by 2030

The single sharpest fact in one of a kind story is that Nigeria has the second-highest cancer burden in Africa after South Africa and is home to about 10.5 percent of Africa's cancer cases. The Federal Government, through the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has unveiled a five-year cancer roadmap aimed at reducing cancer cases and deaths by 30 percent by 2030. This roadmap is part of efforts to tackle the growing cancer burden in the country. Dr.

Salako made the announcement at the Best of ASCO Africa 2026 conference held under the theme, “From Global Discovery to Local Delivery,” which brought together oncologists, researchers, policymakers, cancer advocates, development partners, and industry leaders from across Africa.

The conference, organized by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) in partnership with the Africa Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), is aimed at strengthening collaboration in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research. Dr. Salako said that the government’s approach will focus on strengthening the country’s response to cancer through coordinated prevention, early detection, treatment, research, and workforce development. According to him, the plan comes as Africa recorded nearly 1.2 million new cancer cases and about 720,000 cancer-related deaths in 2024, with Nigeria accounting for about 10.5 percent of the continent’s cancer burden. Cancer is now an accelerating reality on the continent, and it can be solved if we act together, Dr.

Salako said.

The Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, said Nigeria is strengthening cancer care through improved access to treatment, expanded research, and stronger data systems. Through the National Cancer Access Programme, some cancer medicines are now available to patients at about 50 percent of their original cost. Prof. Aliyu also said that NICRAT has upgraded 26 cancer registries, trained more than 140 early-career researchers, awarded 24 research grants, strengthened research laboratories, and begun laying the foundation for precision cancer medicine in Nigeria.

The National Cancer Access Programme is a key initiative under the roadmap that focuses on increasing access to cancer care in the country. According to Prof. Aliyu, the programme has achieved significant milestones, including the availability of cancer medicines at a reduced cost to patients. The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment has also upgraded 26 cancer registries, trained more than 140 early-career researchers, and awarded 24 research grants. These efforts are aimed at strengthening the country’s response to cancer.

The conference brought together oncologists, researchers, policymakers, cancer advocates, development partners, and industry leaders from across Africa to discuss strategies for improving cancer care on the continent. The event provided a platform for experts to share experiences and best practices in cancer care and advocate for stronger collaboration among African countries. Dr. Salako urged African researchers and clinicians to ensure that scientific breakthroughs are adapted to local realities so that patients across the continent can benefit from advances in cancer care.

The conference highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among African countries to tackle the growing cancer burden in Africa. Dr. Salako called for stronger collaboration among African countries, saying shared research, education, and advocacy are key to reducing the continent’s cancer burden. Nigeria is ready to provide leadership in advancing an African approach to cancer care through education, research, and advocacy tailored to our realities, he added.

The National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030 includes the following key components: improving access to cancer care, enhancing cancer research and data systems, strengthening collaboration among African countries, and promoting education and awareness about cancer. The plan aims to reduce cancer cases and deaths in Nigeria by 30 percent by 2030. According to the plan, strengthening access to cancer care, enhancing research and data systems, and promoting education and awareness about cancer are critical components of addressing the growing cancer burden in Nigeria. The plan is expected to improve cancer care and outcomes in the country.

Dr. Salako said that the government is committed to implementing the National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030 and is working with stakeholders to ensure its success. The Minister added that the government will provide support to the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment to ensure the implementation of the plan. The plan aims to improve cancer care and outcomes in Nigeria by 2030.

The National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030 has the potential to improve cancer care and outcomes in Nigeria. If implemented successfully, the plan can reduce cancer cases and deaths in Nigeria by 30 percent by 2030. According to Dr. Salako, the plan is a critical step towards reducing the country’s cancer burden and improving cancer care and outcomes. The plan is expected to provide better access to cancer care, enhance cancer research and data systems, and promote education and awareness about cancer.

The plan includes several key initiatives aimed at improving cancer care and outcomes in Nigeria. These initiatives include improving access to cancer care, enhancing cancer research and data systems, promoting education and awareness about cancer, and strengthening collaboration among African countries. The government has committed to implementing the plan and is working with stakeholders to ensure its success.

The National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030 aims to improve cancer care and outcomes in Nigeria. The plan is a critical step towards reducing the country’s cancer burden and improving cancer care and outcomes. The plan has the potential to reduce cancer cases and deaths in Nigeria by 30 percent by 2030.

The conference brought together oncologists, researchers, policymakers, cancer advocates, development partners, and industry leaders from across Africa to discuss strategies for improving cancer care on the continent. The event provided a platform for experts to share experiences and best practices in cancer care and advocate for stronger collaboration among African countries.