Abuja: The Legislative Network on Cancer (LNC) has made an appeal for the allocation of N5 billion to the Cancer Health Fund (CHF) in Nigeria's 2026 budget. The move is aimed at increasing access to treatment for indigent cancer patients, as emphasized by Sen. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and a founding member of the LNC, during the second Legislative Summit on Sustainable Cancer Care Financing in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Oloriegbe stressed the necessity of the proposed funding increase due to Nigeria's expanding population and the rise in cancer cases. He recalled the initial establishment of the CHF in the 2020 Appropriation Act with a N750 million allocation in 2021, highlighting that subsequent funding has declined over the years. In his address, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), underscored the ongoing challenges of inaccessibility and unaffordability of cancer care, particularly in rural areas.
Aliyu, represented by Prof. Ali Gombe, noted that the CHF currently operates through six Centres of Excellence, offering free treatment for indigent patients with breast, cervical, and prostate cancers. He identified inadequate funding as a major obstacle to expanding the programme and its coverage. Additionally, Aliyu mentioned the inclusion of a Childhood Cancer Fund in the national budget for the first time, with allocations for pediatric cancer treatment in the 2025 budget.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the prevalence of common cancers in Nigeria, often diagnosed at late stages. Represented by Dr. Lolade Kehinde, Salako highlighted gaps in public awareness and healthcare system capacity, describing the LNC's launch as a strategic alliance for Nigeria's cancer control efforts. He noted the importance of legislative support in increasing appropriations for cancer control and exploring innovative financial models.
Prof. Emmanuel Ezeome, in his presentation, identified population growth as a primary driver of breast cancer incidence in Nigeria. He called for early detection, effective treatment access, and investment in health infrastructure to combat the rising cancer burden, urging stakeholders to support the development of cancer treatment centres.
Rep. Amos Gwamina, Chairman of the LNC, reiterated the National Assembly's commitment to prioritizing cancer financing in the 2026 budget, emphasizing the importance of oversight and strengthening the NHIA. Mr. Ladi Hameed, General Manager of Roche Pharmaceuticals Nigeria, highlighted the broader benefits of a well-structured cancer care system for the health sector, stating the potential for infrastructure to treat various diseases.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the LNC is envisioned as a national platform for collaboration among lawmakers, government agencies, the private sector, and civil society to tackle Nigeria's rising cancer burden.