The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to provide free cancer screening and subsidized treatment for Nigerians at all stages of the disease.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion presented during plenary on Wednesday, May 7, by Hon. Aderemi Oseni, who represents Ibarapa Central/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State.
Oseni, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described cancer as an escalating public health crisis in Nigeria, stressing that the high cost of diagnosis and treatment has placed life-saving care out of reach for many citizens.
> “Cancer has become a major concern, with about 125,000 new cases diagnosed in 2020 alone. The most common types are breast, prostate, and cervical cancers,” he said.
The lawmaker noted that cancer care in Nigeria often costs tens of millions of naira per patient, depending on cancer type, disease stage, treatment options, and other health factors—making it unaffordable for a large segment of the population.
He also highlighted the shortage of radiotherapy machines, limited access to cancer medications, and the complex, expensive drug supply chain as critical barriers to effective cancer care. These constraints, he said, contribute to the widespread perception that only the wealthy can survive a cancer diagnosis.
> “Cancer affects both the rich and the poor. The burden is growing rapidly, but public funding for cancer control remains inadequate,” Oseni emphasized. “We must take action to reduce this suffering and increase access to care.”
Following the debate, the House mandated its Committee on Healthcare Services to work with the Federal Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies to establish a framework for cancer treatment subsidies and affordable medication.
The lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to expand cancer treatment centers across the country and ensure the procurement of additional radiotherapy machines.
Crucially, the House called for free, nationwide early cancer screening as part of efforts to reduce late-stage diagnoses and improve survival outcomes for all Nigerians.
