Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The federal government, in a move to implement nuclear medicine services, has inaugurated a technical working group in the country in a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s cancer care capabilities.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stated this while briefing the media to commemorate the 2025 World Cancer Day in Abuja. He also raised concerns that one of the major areas where Nigeria lags behind in disease management, including cancer care, is in nuclear medicine services.
According to him, despite developing robust initiatives, including partnering with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the country has lost over half of its trained nuclear medicine physicians due to inadequate infrastructure.
To address this challenge, the Minister approved the reconstitution of the National Nuclear Medicine Technical Working Group (NM-TWG).
The group, he said, will serve as an advisory body to the Ministry on the development and implementation of nuclear medicine services.
His words: “The NM-TWG, inaugurated as part of the 2025 World Cancer Day commemoration, comprises nuclear medicine physicians, training institutions, regulatory agencies, cancer care organizations, financing and research bodies, civil society groups, equipment manufacturers, and cancer advocates.”
Speaking on the world cancer day commemoration, the Minister said, the theme of the 2025 World Cancer Day ‘United by Unique’ with emphasis on “United in our goals, Unique in our needs”, is apt and timely as it seeks to address the need for unity of purpose to ensure prevention of preventable cancers and treat the treatable ones based on our unique strategies and peculiarities.
He also announced that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu provides unique opportunities for cancer prevention and care in Nigeria as the administration has prioritized the health sector and, particularly, cancer care.
“The government has made substantial investment in cancer prevention and care within the last 18 months, probably more than any other administration in the history of our country.”
“The Renewed Hope agenda has a central placement for healthcare and treats the health of Nigerians as an urgent matter of right.
“In consonance with this, the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which is the blueprint developed to actualize the vision of Mr. President rests on unique 4 pillars including, improving health care governance; improving population health outcomes (with priority on efficient, equitable and quality health system); unlocking healthcare value chain (through various platforms and strategies including sector Wide Approach, local manufacturing of health commodities, research and innovation); and the health security of Nigerians.” He said.
Meanwhile, the National President of the Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria (ARCON) Dr. Nwamaka Lasebikan, in a statement, has reaffirmed its commitment to improving cancer care in Nigeria.
ARCON president noted that cancer is not just a health issue but a societal challenge that affects individuals, families, and communities in profound ways.
“At ARCON, we recognize that every patient’s experience is unique, shaped by personal, cultural, and economic factors.”
Lasebikan also disclosed that Nigeria’s oncology landscape is evolving, with ARCON and critical stakeholders driving innovative solutions to enhance cancer care delivery across the country.
She stressed the need for collective efforts to improve early detection, treatment accessibility, and survival outcomes.
“Cancer remains a growing public health challenge in Nigeria, with over 120,000 new cases annually and a high rate of late-stage diagnoses.”
“However, we believe that by working together – health professionals, government agencies, private sector partners, civil society, and individuals – we can create a future where every Nigerian has access to early detection, quality treatment, and the support they need.”
“ARCON is advocating for nationwide cancer screening programs, increased investment in radiotherapy centres and oncology units, and public-private partnerships to make advanced treatments more widely available.”
“The association is also promoting the adoption of innovative technologies to improve treatment accuracy and effectiveness.”
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