The Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for  approving N302.3 billion for the design, construction and equipping of a flagship National Cancer Institute stressing that the project when completed, will strengthen cancer research, treatment, innovation, capacity building and also provide world-class cancer services in Nigeria.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Aliyu noted that the approval of the project which is expected to be completed within 36 months,  is a clear “demonstration of care and concern for the health and general well-being of all Nigerians by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government.

 Aliyu observed that the approval is s demonstration of the  President’s penchant for embarking on bold interventions meant to better the living standard of Nigerians at all levels.

He said, “This project, will no doubt, make Nigeria the centre of attraction in terms of sophisticated cancer care and research in Africa and the world at large. This approval and many other steps taken by the President Tinubu-led government like the recent upgrading of more cancer centres, with three facilities in Kastina, Benin, and Enugu already completed, shows commitment, capacity and willingness to give Nigerians a better life,”.

Aliyu recalled that over the years, cancer has remained a nightmare to most Nigerians adding that successive governments could not demonstrate capacity to address  issues around the dearth of cancer diagnosis, treatment and research in the country.
” This has made most Nigerians affected by cancer unable to detect the disease early due to lack of access to prompt and affordable diagnosis and treatment in the country.”

While commending the wisdom behind the approval given by the President, Prof. Malami said: “Even though the establishment of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) three years ago, has brought the country to the global limelight in terms of the fight against cancer, however, the approval by President Tinubu of the construction of the National Cancer Institute with state-of-the-art equipment will give Nigeria more visibility and dignity among comity of nations in terms of cancer care and research.”

 He described the approval as a game changer with immense benefit to Nigeria and Nigerians in many ways, explaining that: “Chief among the benefits is that the project will drastically reduce medical tourism by Nigerians affected by cancer. This is because Nigeria loses millions of dollars annually to other countries as many Nigerians travel to those countries for more sophisticated cancer diagnosis and treatment.

“On the other hand, the project will make Nigeria a destination of choice by many countries in Africa and beyond in terms of cancer treatment and research, hence, It will generate and improve Nigeria’s foreign exchange.

 “The state-of-the-art Institute, will no doubt, escalate cancer research and innovation in Nigeria. This is because many oncology experts will take advantage of the sophisticated well-equipment Institute and the conducive environment to conduct innovative research in different areas of cancer.

 “The Institute will also be a hub and a reference point for the training and retraining of oncology experts and researchers across Africa. It will equally be a centre for the development of highly skilled cancer care professionals, strengthen evidence-based policy-making, promote innovation and technology-driven cancer care, and foster collaboration with leading institutions within Nigeria, Africa and globally.”

The approval by the president, Prof. Malami further noted, will lay what he described as a foundation for a stronger healthcare system that is battle-ready and capable of responding more effectively and promptly to the evolving health needs of Nigeria’s growing population.

 He also commended the  Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate for his strategic leadership and commitment to transforming Nigeria’s health sector, as well as the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Adekunle Salako, for his persistent advocacy, commitment and support in helping to move this important vision from aspiration to reality.

“NICRAT also acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the support and encouragement received from the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom,” he said.

The NICRAT boss expressed the commitment of the Institute  to “continue to work with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, state governments, development partners, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the private sector and other critical stakeholders in cancer space to build a coordinated national cancer control system that delivers measurable impact.

“The Management and Staff of NICRAT, therefore, assure Mr. President of their commitment to work hard to ensure that this landmark project delivers on the promise of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”