NSIA Pledges $2m for Cancer Workforce Development
…Federal Government Reaffirms Commitment to Fighting Cancer
By Patience Ikpeme
The Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has pledged $2 million towards training healthcare professionals in oncology, with the aim of strengthening cancer care in teaching hospitals across Nigeria.
This initiative is part of the broader effort to tackle the country’s rising cancer cases and improve healthcare outcomes.
Kolawole Owodunni, NSIA’s Chief Investment Officer and Executive Director of Medserve, made this disclosure during the second edition of the Medserve Oncology Summit held in Abuja on Wednesday.
Owodunni revealed that the project, already underway, spans eight University Teaching Hospitals and is focused on addressing the severe manpower gap in oncology care.
He emphasized that Nigeria has made significant strides in cancer treatment, but critical challenges persist, including shortages of trained personnel, inadequate training programs, and insufficient infrastructure.
The summit, jointly organized by Medserve and NSIA, brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, and academics to discuss reforms in oncology training, including the restructuring of residency programs and the introduction of postgraduate courses in oncology.
This year’s theme, “Enhancing the Oncology Workforce in Nigeria”, focused on the urgent need to build a skilled healthcare workforce as cancer rates continue to climb.
Owodunni highlighted the importance of the NSIA Youth Cancer Center, a facility that offers advanced oncology care and state-of-the-art technology at affordable rates. While this has improved access to diagnostics and specialized treatments, he stressed that the success of such initiatives relies heavily on having a well-trained workforce.
The Federal Government echoed its commitment to turning Nigeria into a hub for cancer diagnosis and treatment, positioning the country as a leader in oncology care on the continent. Professor Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, affirmed this commitment.
Pate, who chaired the event, emphasized that healthcare is a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s transformation agenda. With non-communicable diseases like cancer on the rise, oncology is being prioritized as a key legacy of the administration. He noted that nearly 10 months ago, the government, in collaboration with NSIA, launched an initiative to boost cancer care infrastructure and resources.
Six new cancer centers have since been established, but Pate stressed that infrastructure alone is insufficient—skilled professionals and robust research are equally essential for success.
The Minister also highlighted the economic potential of clinical research in oncology, noting that the presidential initiative to unlock the healthcare value chain could create over half a million jobs in the next decade. By leveraging Nigeria’s capabilities and collaborating with global pharmaceutical companies, the country could develop cutting-edge technologies and diagnostics, boosting both the healthcare system and the economy.
Pate shared his optimism about the future of cancer care in Nigeria, drawing parallels to the transformation of HIV care. He expressed hope that with similar advancements in oncology, cancer could become a manageable condition rather than a death sentence, particularly for Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
Wale Edun also underscored the government’s dedication to addressing the growing cancer burden, as part of President Tinubu’s *Renewed Hope Agenda*. He applauded NSIA’s efforts in establishing six cancer treatment centers but emphasized that these facilities are only part of the solution. Edun called for a focus on workforce development and research to support effective cancer care.
Reflecting on the importance of global partnerships in fighting cancer, Edun cited expert opinions that suggest 30% of colon cancer cases can be treated successfully when appropriate resources and technology are applied. He also noted that philanthropic efforts are vital in supporting these healthcare advancements and ensuring equitable access to treatment for all Nigerians.
Both ministers called for ongoing collaboration among stakeholders, including the private sector, medical professionals, and civil society, to build a sustainable and compassionate oncology system in Nigeria. They expressed optimism that the country could soon become a hub for advanced cancer care, offering quality and affordable treatments to its citizens.
