…Pate, Shinkafi-Bagudu, Others Push for Early Detection, Collaboration at 2025 International Cancer Week
By Mercy Gadia Adi
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving cancer prevention, research, diagnosis, and access to quality care across Nigeria as part of efforts to reduce the country’s growing cancer burden.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, stated this on Monday in Abuja during the opening ceremony of the 2025 International Cancer Week (ICW). He was represented by Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh (mni), Director, Hospital Services Department in the Ministry.
Pate said the ministry remains resolute in strengthening the national response to cancer through research, innovation, and collaboration.
“We have seen a rise in cancer cases in Nigeria, and we must act, We need to prioritize research, support collaboration, and ensure access to quality care. Let’s work together to develop context-specific solutions, enhance screening and treatment capabilities, and foster partnerships between researchers, clinicians, and communities.”the Minister said.
He described this year’s theme “Redefining Cancer Care: Prevention, Access, and the Future for All” as timely and comprehensive, covering the full continuum of cancer care from prevention to survivorship.
Pate commended the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) for sustaining the ICW initiative and aligning its programmes with the national health reform agenda.
“This is the beginning of the transformation in cancer care in Nigeria, Let’s continue to push forward for a future where every Nigerian has access to equitable, quality cancer care.”he added.
In his welcome address, Director-General of NICRAT, Professor Usman Malami Aliyu, highlighted the institute’s achievements in building international collaborations and strengthening local cancer research capacity.
He disclosed that NICRAT had signed over 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading global institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the European Comprehensive Cancer Centres to enhance research, clinical care, and training.
Aliyu also announced the launch of the Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Cancer Research and Implementation in Nigeria (SINCAD) initiative, which supports teaching hospitals and early-career researchers across the six geopolitical zones.
“NICRAT has released a seed grant award of ₦10 million per project to each of the successful cancer researchers,” he said, noting that the funding would pave an impactful pathway for cancer research in the country.
He further revealed that the institute had commenced the Nigerian Cancer Genome Study, focusing on genetic variants and mutation analysis in selected cancer types to promote personalized medicine and precision oncology.
Delivering her goodwill message, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, President-elect of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, called for intensified public awareness and early detection campaigns.
“Research is important, but awareness is the greatest low-hanging fruit, Until we diagnose cancer earlier, we will not benefit from the research or the new drugs emerging globally,” she said.
She emphasized the need for African inclusion in global cancer research, lamenting that only about two percent of the human genome represented in global cancer studies is African.
“We must change the narrative and insist on inclusion. Cancer is tough, but we are tougher,” she added.
Also in attendance were Her Excellency, Barrister Chioma Uzodinma, First Lady of Imo State, who served as Special Guest of Honour; members of the National Assembly Committees on Health; and international oncology experts including Professor Anuja Dhingra from the Anderson Cancer Center, USA, who delivered the keynote lecture.
Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee, Professor Ifeoma Okoye, was lauded for the successful coordination of the event.
Jointly organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and NICRAT, the 2025 International Cancer Week brought together policymakers, clinicians, researchers, advocates, and survivors to chart a new course for equitable and sustainable cancer care in Nigeria and across Africa.
The event concluded with a collective call for stronger research collaboration, increased investment in cancer infrastructure, improved access to care, and sustained public awareness campaigns in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Health Agenda.