FG Approves 35 Linear Accelerators For Cancer Treatment

By Adebola Muili

The Federal Government has approved the procurement of 35 additional linear accelerators between 2027 and 2029 to expand access to radiotherapy and strengthening cancer treatment capacity across the country.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, disclosed this on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in Abuja, while receiving members of the Global Advisory Council of the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group.

Salako said the approval formed part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to strengthen cancer prevention, early detection and treatment under the National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030.

He also disclosed that six cancer centres were being developed across the country, with three already completed and the remaining three under construction.

According to him, the government was paying particular attention to cancer prevention through expanded immunisation, screening and early detection.

He cited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination as part of routine immunisation as a major step towards preventing cervical cancer.

The Minister said the government was also broadening cervical cancer screening, improving public awareness and integrating selected screening services into primary and secondary healthcare levels to strengthen early detection.

He added that a Cervical Cancer Elimination Council had also been established as part of efforts to intensify the national response to the disease.

“Prevention is better and cheaper than cure. We are doing everything possible to expand routine immunisation, broaden screening and improve early detection,” Salako said.

Salako commended members of the Global Advisory Council and the Technical Working Group for bringing expertise, experience, networks and resources to support Nigeria’s cancer control agenda.

He also called for wider international partnerships to accelerate efforts towards improving cancer outcomes in the country.

The Minister formally inaugurated the Blood Cancer Consortium during the engagement, describing it as an important platform for advancing collaboration, knowledge-sharing and improved outcomes in the management of blood cancers.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom S. mni, welcomed the delegation and expressed optimism that the engagement would contribute to improved cancer outcomes for Nigerians.

In her remarks, the Chairman of the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group, Professor Folakemi Odedina, said the initiative had brought together Nigerian experts at home and in the diaspora, government, academia, healthcare providers, patients, advocates, industry and international partners around a common national vision for cancer control.

Odedina disclosed that the Technical Working Group had become operational and was working to strengthen cancer research and develop a stronger national oncology clinical trials ecosystem.

She added that the group was fostering strategic partnerships between Nigerian institutions and leading global cancer centres.

The meeting concluded with the ceremonial signing of a strategic partnership between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group and members of the Global Advisory Council.