…As 30 Nigerians benefit from ₦7b cancer medicine project
Nigeria: The Federal Government has cautioned its health regulatory agencies and research institutions against bureaucratic practices that delay access to life-saving medical innovations, warning that such inefficiencies could cost lives.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, issued the warning on Tuesday 21 October 2025 in Abuja during the launch of the Innovative Cancer Medicine (ICM) Demonstration Study at the National Hospital.
The event marked the start of free treatment for 30 Nigerians living with colorectal cancer under a ₦7 billion initiative made possible through international partnerships.
The project, which took five years to commence, is a collaboration between the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI), Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and Roche Diagnostics.
It provides advanced colorectal cancer patients access to Nivolumab, an immunotherapy drug that enables the body’s immune system to fight cancer effectively, at no cost to beneficiaries.
Salako said the programme represents a milestone in the nation’s efforts to expand equitable access to modern cancer treatment.
He stressed that while regulatory oversight is essential, it must not become a barrier to scientific advancement, warning, “Unnecessary bottlenecks can cost lives.
“Regulators must not become obstacles to innovation. Every scientific breakthrough must ultimately serve the people”.
He noted that colorectal cancer, now the second most common cancer among Nigerian men and the fourth overall, has nearly tripled in incidence over four decades, with about 5,900 deaths recorded annually due to late diagnosis and poor access to care.
According to him, the study reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to the National Cancer Control Plan and its Renewed Hope Health Agenda, which prioritises early detection, diagnostics, and affordable treatment.
The Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Prof. Raji Mahmud, represented by Dr. Isiaka Lawal, said the initiative comes as the hospital strengthens its capacity in urology, neurosciences, and organ transplantation.
National Cancer Control Programme Coordinator, Dr. Uchechukwu Nwokwu, said the project would refine national oncology policy and improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Kevin Marks of PICI described the initiative as evidence of a global commitment to equitable healthcare, while Ms. Natania Candelario of BMS said it underscores Nigeria’s growing capacity to deliver advanced therapies such as immunotherapy.
Prof. Abubakar Bello, the Principal Investigator of the study, said it marks a new era in Nigeria’s oncology landscape, bridging gaps in access to advanced cancer treatment while generating local data on how African patients respond to immunotherapy.
He explained that Nivolumab is not experimental but a proven drug already saving lives globally, noting that ach treatment cycle costs about ₦9.5 million, but through the project, 30 patients will receive free diagnosis, therapy, and monitoring for 18 months.
Bello added that the donated medicines and diagnostics, valued at over ₦7 billion, make it one of the largest medical donations in Nigeria’s cancer care history.
