Get Guardian on GoogleThe Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has identified inadequate healthcare infrastructure, poor funding, limited access to specialised cancer treatment, and high cost of medication as major factors contributing to the rising cancer crisis and deaths in the country.
The President of the society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, disclosed this yesterday in Lagos, during a visit to United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), where both organisations signed a working agreement aimed at mobilising funds and raising awareness to support cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment in the country.
Omonisi said Nigeria continued to grapple with huge gaps in cancer diagnosis and treatment infrastructure.
He, however, lamented that inadequate diagnostic facilities and limited access to modern medical technology were preventing many patients from detecting the disease at its early stages.
He explained that some hospitals lacked the necessary equipment and expertise to accurately diagnose cancer, forcing them to depend on external laboratories for tests, a situation that could result in misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
According to him, the availability of advanced diagnostic facilities, including genetic testing, would help identify individuals with inherited cancer risks and enable early screening and intervention before the disease develops.
Omonisi noted that cancer was not restricted to any particular age group or social class, stressing that both the rich and poor, as well as children, young adults and the elderly, could be affected.
He added that withdrawal of major pharmaceutical companies had made the country increasingly dependent on middlemen for the importation of cancer drugs, thereby worsening affordability and access to treatment.
He added: “We are however, engaging the Federal government on measures to subsidise cancer drugs and consider waivers on relevant healthcare duties to make treatment more affordable.
“Although, the government has made efforts to establish and upgrade cancer treatment centres by ensuring that patients can access the facilities.
Besides, he explained that Nigeria had developed a National Cancer Control Plan covering 2026 to 2030, following the document’s launch on February 4, 2026, to mark World Cancer Day.
Earlier, the Managing Director of United Nigeria Airlines, Osita Okonkwo, said the partnership with NCS was designed to provide a sustainable fundraising platform through the airline’s digital channels and onboard services.
He disclosed that passengers purchasing tickets through the airline’s website would be given the opportunity to make voluntary donations to the Nigerian Cancer Society.
Okonkwo explained further that the airline was also considering introducing an onboard donation system through which passengers could contribute during flights.
He said the donations would be paid into a dedicated account, with both organisations agreeing on the programmes and interventions to be funded.
Okonkwo assured of accountability and transparency in the entire arrangemet, adding that the organisations would undertake monthly reconciliation of accounts and programmes.
He said: “We are guaranteeing accountability. From time to time, we will update the public and give an account of what has happened and what is being done with the funds raised.
“With United Nigeria and the Nigerian Cancer Society, every cent that is donated will be fully accounted for. This is as long as it takes to defeat cancer.”
Okonkwo said the airline decided to partner with the NCS after researching its activities and establishing that it had the competence, structure and expertise required to administer cancer-related interventions.
He disclosed that United Nigeria Airlines transport more than 1.7 million passengers annually, providing a significant platform for mobilising public support and expanding the campaign.
Okonkwo appealed to Nigerians to support the campaign, stressing that the fight against cancer should not be left to government alone.
