Tinubu Approves 35 New Linear Accelerators To Expand Cancer Treatment In Nigeria
Tinubu Approves 35 New Linear Accelerators to Expand Cancer Treatment in Nigeria President Bola Tinubu has approved the procurement of 35 additional linear accelerators between 2027 and 2029 as part of Federal Government efforts to expand access to radiotherapy and strengthen cancer treatment capacity across Nigeria. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed the plan while receiving members of the Global Advisory Council of the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group in Abuja. The investment forms part of the National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030, which focuses on prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and improved cancer outcomes. Linear accelerators are among the key machines used in modern radiotherapy, delivering high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells while helping to limit exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
The planned procurement is intended to address Nigeria’s shortage of radiotherapy capacity and make cancer treatment more accessible to patients across the country. The government is also developing six cancer centres of excellence, with three already completed and the other three under construction, according to Salako. The additional equipment is expected to complement those facilities and strengthen the country’s ability to provide specialist oncology services. The Federal Government says expanding treatment capacity is only one part of its cancer-control strategy.
Salako highlighted the inclusion of the Human Papillomavirus HPV vaccine in Nigeria’s routine immunisation programme, alongside expanded cervical-cancer screening and efforts to integrate selected screening services into primary and secondary healthcare facilities. The government has also established a Cervical Cancer Elimination Council as part of efforts to improve prevention and early detection. “Prevention is better and cheaper than cure,” Salako said, stressing the need to expand immunisation, screening and early detection. Nigeria continues to face significant challenges in cancer care, including late presentation, limited infrastructure, shortages of skilled personnel and constrained resources. The National Cancer Control Plan is designed to bring government agencies, healthcare professionals, researchers, development partners, cancer organisations and international experts together under a coordinated national strategy. The government has said partnerships with international institutions and the Nigerian diaspora will also be important for technology transfer, research, training and improving access to advanced cancer-care services
During the same engagement, Salako formally inaugurated the Blood Cancer Consortium, describing it as a platform for strengthening collaboration and improving outcomes for patients with blood cancers. The government also received support from members of the National Cancer Control Plan’s Global Advisory Council, including expertise and resources aimed at improving pathology laboratory services. The meeting concluded with the signing of a strategic partnership involving the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group and members of the Global Advisory Council. The announcement comes alongside efforts to reduce the financial burden of cancer treatment on low-income Nigerians. The University of Benin Teaching Hospital recently urged indigent cancer patients to apply for its government-supported cancer health fund, which provides assistance to eligible patients. Such initiatives could become increasingly important as the government expands treatment infrastructure and seeks to ensure that new facilities and equipment are accessible to patients who cannot afford private cancer care.
The Federal Government says the broader objective is to improve Nigeria’s cancer outcomes through a combination of prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and long-term care. The planned procurement of 35 linear accelerators, construction of cancer centres, expanded screening and vaccination programmes represent some of the most significant components of that strategy.
However, the success of the investment will depend on more than acquiring machines. Nigeria will also need sufficient numbers of trained radiotherapists and other oncology professionals, reliable electricity and maintenance systems, sustainable funding and effective referral networks. With 35 additional linear accelerators planned for procurement between 2027 and 2029, the Federal Government is seeking to close a major gap in Nigeria’s cancer treatment infrastructure while simultaneously shifting greater attention toward prevention and early detection.
