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Wike: FCTA Receives Cost Estimate for Apo Traders’ Relocation as Dualisation of Apo–Wassa Road Begins

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has received the cost estimate for providing infrastructure at the new relocation site for Apo traders, marking a major milestone in the long-awaited resettlement plan.

FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, announced this on Wednesday in Abuja during the flag-off of the dualisation of the Apo–Wassa Road, a key project aimed at decongesting traffic and enhancing mobility within the capital city.

Wike assured that the administration would soon commence the relocation process, reaffirming that every promise made under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to residents of the FCT would be fulfilled.

“The FCT Administration has received the cost estimate for providing infrastructure at the new relocation site for Apo traders. For us, every promise made under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. President, will be fulfilled. Be assured that we shall keep our word to the people of the FCT,” Wike said.

He described the dualisation of the Apo–Wassa Road as a fulfilment of his earlier pledge to residents during the commissioning of the Apo–Wassa Junction road, noting that the project would ease one of Abuja’s most notorious traffic bottlenecks.

“I do remember when we came to commission the road from the Apo Junction down to Wassa Junction. We made a promise that, by the grace of God and with the support of His Excellency, Mr. President, we would dualise this road to decongest the heavy traffic in this area. That promise was made, and today, to the glory of God, we are fulfilling it,” he declared.

Wike commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said had strengthened fiscal stability and made governance easier for both states and the FCT.

“Today, because of the decisive leadership of Mr. President, states and the FCT are no longer running around banks to borrow for projects or salaries; rather, banks are now looking for states to partner with,” he stated.

He added that the fiscal policies of the Tinubu administration have enabled governments to embark on infrastructure projects without leaving debts behind. “No governor today talks about leaving debt for his successor. That’s leadership visionary and purposeful leadership,” Wike said.

The Minister attributed Abuja’s ongoing transformation to President Tinubu’s pragmatic leadership, noting: “Everybody is now talking about projects in the FCT. Was he the first president in this country? No. When you get the right leadership, you see how things will change.”

Wike also commended the cooperation of FCT Area Council Chairmen across party lines, describing it as unprecedented in the history of the territory.

Also present at the event was former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, who expressed support for the FCTA’s development drive. Wike hinted at possible partnerships with sports icons and private investors to engage youths in productive ventures across the FCT.

In her remarks, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the Apo–Wassa project as a bold step toward easing traffic, boosting economic growth, and improving connectivity within the city.

“The President constantly reminds Nigerians that progress is built not only in policy but in the visible transformation of lives and communities,” Mahmoud said, commending Wike for his passion and commitment to making Abuja a model capital.

The Apo–Wassa Road dualisation stands as another milestone in the FCT’s infrastructure renewal agenda, reflecting President Tinubu’s vision of practical, people-centered governance.

FCTA Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthen Nursing College, Train Skilled Health Workforce — Fasawe

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the FCT College of Nursing Sciences, Gwagwalada, as part of ongoing efforts to build a skilled and resilient health workforce for Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, made the pledge during the matriculation ceremony of 246 newly admitted students into the institution.

Fasawe, represented by Mrs. Grace Musa, Director of Nursing Services, FCT Health Management Board, said the Nyesom Wike-led Administration remains determined to sustain investments in health education and infrastructure to enhance service delivery across the territory.

She urged the new students to remain focused, disciplined, and dedicated to excellence, emphasizing that their training would equip them to make meaningful contributions to the healthcare sector.

In her remarks, the Provost of the College, Dr. Deborah Yusuf, described the ceremony as a major milestone in the college’s mission to produce competent and compassionate nurses and midwives for the FCT and Nigeria at large.

Yusuf revealed that of the 246 students matriculated, 123 were admitted into the National Diploma in Nursing, while another 123 joined the Basic Midwifery Programme.

“You have chosen one of the most noble professions globally one that embodies compassion, intellect, integrity, and empathy,” she said, urging the students to uphold academic integrity and professionalism throughout their studies.

She appealed to the FCT Administration to extend its ongoing infrastructural transformation to the college, noting that it remains the only government-owned institution dedicated to training nurses and midwives in the FCT.

Also speaking, Mr. Jema Medan, Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT Council, called on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the bill establishing the college to provide it with full legal backing.

He commended the FCTA for its continuous support and for appointing principal officers for the college, describing the gesture as a strategic step toward strengthening nursing and midwifery education in the territory.

FCT Pilgrims Board Assures Seamless, Spiritually Fulfilling 2026 Hajj — Edah

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has reaffirmed its readiness to deliver a seamless, well-coordinated, and spiritually fulfilling 2026 Hajj exercise for intending pilgrims from the territory.

The Director of the Board, Mallam Kadiri Edah, gave the assurance when he received the newly appointed North Central Zonal Coordinator of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Hajiya Zainab Mohammed, and her team during a courtesy visit to the Board’s headquarters in Abuja.

Mallam Edah stated that the Board had put in place “adequate mechanisms” to ensure the success of the forthcoming Hajj operations, adding that new strategies are being developed to enhance pilgrims’ experience and promote efficiency at every stage of the exercise.

He called for continued collaboration with NAHCON to address potential challenges, emphasizing that “each Hajj operation comes with its peculiar demands that require strong institutional partnership and flexibility.”

Earlier, Hajiya Zainab Mohammed said her visit was aimed at strengthening coordination and familiarizing herself with the leadership of the FCT Pilgrims Board. She commended the Board for its proactive preparations and urged sustained cooperation to ensure a smooth, safe, and successful pilgrimage for all participants from the FCT and across the North Central region.

Mohammed reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to maintaining excellence in Hajj operations nationwide, assuring that the Commission would continue to work closely with state and FCT boards to deliver improved results in future exercises.

Discussions during the meeting focused on key operational areas including registration of intending pilgrims, camping logistics, and airlifting arrangements as preparations intensify for the 2026 Hajj to the Holy Land.

FG Moves to Strengthen Naira, Boost Reserves with Locally Sourced Gold — Alake

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The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to grow Nigeria’s foreign reserves through gold sourced entirely from local miners a bold initiative aimed at strengthening the naira, conserving foreign exchange, and revitalizing rural economies.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, disclosed this on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, during the “Nigeria Gold Day” session at the ongoing 10th Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, sponsored by the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF).

According to Alake, the Gold Acquisition Programme, launched in August and managed by SMDF, stands as one of the most strategic fiscal innovations under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The initiative targets three critical objectives reducing pressure on the naira, boosting foreign reserves, and generating massive local employment within the gold value chain.

“This initiative allows us to purchase gold from local artisanal miners using naira, instead of sourcing dollars to buy gold internationally,” Alake explained. “Once acquired, the gold goes straight into the Central Bank of Nigeria’s reserves it’s one of the fastest and smartest ways to grow our foreign reserves.”

He added that because the gold is sourced locally, there is no need to spend foreign exchange. “Miners and workers are paid in naira, which circulates within our economy. It’s a win-win for the government, the miners, and the economy,” he said.

Alake revealed that the Tinubu administration has approved increased funding for the programme in 2025, demonstrating the President’s confidence in its potential to transform Nigeria’s fiscal landscape.

“We are pursuing this initiative with vigor and determination. The President understands that real growth comes from production, not importation. With local gold reserves, Nigeria can strengthen its currency, create jobs, and build sustainable wealth,” he emphasized.

In a broader economic context, the Minister hinted at upcoming policies to reduce dollar dominance in local transactions, including steps to discourage schools and institutions from charging tuition fees in foreign currencies.

“Our goal is clear reduce dollar dependency and restore full confidence in the naira,” he said firmly.

In her remarks, Mrs. Fatima Shinkafi, Executive Secretary of the SMDF, described the gold acquisition programme as a “game-changer,” noting that it is attracting new exploration investments even as global funding for mining declines.

“Exploration funding is rising in Nigeria while it’s falling globally we’re literally defying gravity,” Shinkafi said. “The confidence investors are showing is a direct result of the Minister’s policy direction and the government’s commitment to responsible mining.”

She observed that global geopolitical tensions from the U.S.-China standoff to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have driven record demand for gold, pushing prices to historic highs.

“Gold just hit $4,200 per ounce, and analysts now project $5,000. A year ago, that would have sounded impossible now it’s reality,” she noted.

However, Shinkafi cautioned against speculative mining, stressing that the sector requires science, data, and long-term strategy.

“Mining is not luck; it’s science and strategy. We must move away from myths like ‘there’s gold behind my grandfather’s backyard.’ Nigeria has the talent and resources to mine responsibly and profitably,” she said.

She lauded Dr. Alake’s “transformational leadership,” urging investors and stakeholders to rally behind the government’s vision of positioning Nigeria as Africa’s premier destination for responsible gold exploration and investment.

$700bn Mineral Wealth: SMDF, NASD Seal Landmark Deal to Revolutionize Mining Finance in Nigeria — Shinkafi

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Nigeria is taking a bold step to unlock its estimated $700 billion mineral wealth through a strategic partnership between the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) a groundbreaking collaboration designed to bridge the gap between mining operations and capital market financing.

The Executive Secretary of SMDF, Mrs. Fatima Shinkafi, represented by Abdulmajeed Amussah, Technical Adviser, made this known during his presentation at the ongoing 10th Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja.

Amussah described the collaboration as a “forward-looking effort to integrate market-based funding solutions into the solid minerals value chain,” adding that it would “redefine mining finance by mobilising domestic and foreign capital through structured, transparent, and innovative instruments.”

He emphasized that despite Nigeria’s abundance of strategic and precious minerals across all 36 states and the FCT, the sector currently contributes less than 1% to the national GDP.

“With the right data, transparency, and investment platforms, Nigeria can replicate the transformation achieved by countries like Botswana and Australia turning mineral resources into shared prosperity and sustainable national growth,” he said.

Explaining the modalities, Amussah noted that the SMDF–NASD partnership would create structured investment pathways for mining companies, especially new license holders, via NASD’s Digital Securities Platform (DSP).

According to him, the collaboration will deliver tangible value through project pipeline development, capacity building, investor protection, and post-issuance governance, all aimed at boosting confidence and accountability within the mining ecosystem.

“The future of funding for Nigeria’s solid minerals sector lies in innovation,” Shinkafi affirmed through her representative, urging investors, regulators, and operators to seize the opportunity to align finance and mining for sustainable national transformation.

WHO Names Dr. Pavel Ursu as New Nigeria RepresentativePledges Stronger Backing for Health Reforms, Local Manufacturing

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has appointed Dr. Pavel Ursu as its new Country Representative to Nigeria, marking the start of a new phase of collaboration to strengthen health systems, promote local production of medical products, and accelerate Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across the country.

Dr. Ursu formally presented his credentials to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 14, 2025, where he was received by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who commended WHO’s longstanding support to Nigeria and expressed optimism that the new envoy’s leadership would deepen cooperation in advancing national health priorities.

“We welcome Dr. Ursu to Nigeria and look forward to deepening our collaboration with WHO under his leadership,” Tuggar said.

The Minister noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed gaps in Nigeria’s health preparedness, especially in vaccine operations, emphasizing government’s resolve to build resilience through local manufacturing of vaccines and other essential medical products.

“Health is not just a sector; it is a foundation for prosperity. A healthy population is empowered to seek opportunities and rise out of poverty,” Tuggar added.

He further highlighted that Nigeria’s foreign policy now aligns with a new era of equity-driven global health partnerships, focused on sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth.

In his remarks, Dr. Ursu conveyed greetings from WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, reaffirming WHO’s “deep respect for Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to global health progress.”

He noted that Nigeria hosts WHO’s largest country office in Africa, underscoring the nation’s strategic role in shaping the continent’s health security and policy agenda.

“Nigeria’s strength lies in its people, innovation, and resolve to reform. WHO will focus on ensuring our cooperation translates into measurable improvements in people’s lives,” Dr. Ursu stated.

Outlining his vision for strengthened collaboration, Dr. Ursu listed six key priorities for WHO–Nigeria partnership:

Domestic Health Financing and Sustainability expanding fiscal space and promoting results-based spending;

Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage improving equitable access to quality services;

Emergency Preparedness and Health Security building resilience to epidemics and climate shocks;

Data and Digital Transformation advancing evidence-driven policy through digital tools;

Local Manufacturing and Innovation positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for vaccine and health technology production; and

Health Diplomacy and Multisectoral Engagement amplifying Nigeria’s leadership on global health platforms.

A seasoned global health expert, Dr. Ursu brings over two decades of experience in leadership roles across Europe and Asia, having served as WHO Representative in Tajikistan, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan, and as Head of WHO Office in Moldova. He holds advanced degrees in Public Health and Leadership from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the University of Cambridge.

Dr. Ursu’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as Nigeria intensifies efforts to strengthen primary healthcare, combat infectious and non-communicable diseases, and build a resilient, technology-driven health system.

“I am honoured to serve as WHO Representative to Nigeria and look forward to working closely with national authorities, partners, and communities to advance health for all,” Dr. Ursu affirmed.

The WHO reaffirmed its continued commitment to supporting Nigeria in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under Dr. Ursu’s leadership.

Invest in Digital Health Skills to Secure Africa’s Future — Salako

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***Says Technology Without Skilled Workforce Risks Failure in Health Reforms

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has urged African governments to make massive investments in digital health skilling, describing it as the backbone for sustainable healthcare delivery, innovation, and economic growth across the continent.

Speaking at the 2025 Africa Health Tech Summit (AHTS) held on Monday at the Kigali Convention Centre, Rwanda, Dr. Salako said technology alone cannot transform Africa’s health systems without a digitally empowered workforce capable of deploying, maintaining, and optimizing innovation.

“Technology is only as good as the people who use it. Without a digitally empowered workforce, we risk building systems that look modern but operate inefficiently,” Salako said. “Investing in digital health skilling is an investment in the future of healthcare itself.”

He described digital health training as both an economic and moral imperative, calling for stronger collaboration between governments, academia, innovators, and development partners to establish regional centres of excellence for research, innovation, and capacity development.

Highlighting Nigeria’s progress, the minister noted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the country launched the Nigeria Digital in Health Initiative (NDHI) to create a unified, secure, and interoperable health data ecosystem guided by the Nigeria Digital Health Strategy 2021–2025.

“Our goal is to ensure that every health worker from the most remote primary health centre to the most advanced tertiary hospital is equipped to use digital tools for healthcare delivery, reporting, and decision-making,” he said. “Digital transformation is not about replacing human expertise; it is about amplifying it.”

Dr. Salako revealed that 76% of federal tertiary health institutions in Nigeria have achieved between 50% to 100% digitization, with similar efforts ongoing at state and local levels. He added that the federal government is supporting sub-national entities and private sector partners to achieve full integration and aims to establish a National Health Information Exchange by 2027.

He further stressed that digital literacy among citizens must also improve to ensure equitable adoption of health technologies.

“The case for digital health skilling in Africa is no longer optional it is practical, urgent, and transformational,” Salako declared. “Let us make digital literacy a basic competency for every health worker and ensure that every investment in technology is matched by investment in people.”

Concluding, he called for a united African front in digital health transformation, saying:

“Together, we can make technology the heartbeat of a healthier, more connected Africa one where every health worker is empowered, every patient is seen, and every community is served.”

Nigeria’s Mining Reforms Attract $1bn Investment — Alake

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***Says ‘Business-as-Usual’ Era Over as Sector Embraces Transparency, Digitization

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has declared that the era of impunity, inefficiency, and opaque dealings in Nigeria’s mining industry has ended, as the sector enters a new phase of transparency, digitization, and global competitiveness under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking at the 10th edition of the Nigeria Mining Week held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in Abuja, Alake announced that the sector has attracted over $1 billion in direct foreign funding within the last 18 months — a testament to the success of ongoing reforms aimed at making solid minerals a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic diversification.

“We are no longer doing business as usual. There is a new sheriff in town. The Solid Minerals Ministry has become one of the most transparent and corruption-free ministries in Nigeria because our operations are now fully digitized,” Alake said.

He explained that the ministry’s digital transformation has eliminated physical contact between investors and officials, curbing corruption and accelerating efficiency in licensing and regulation.

The minister further revealed that President Tinubu will soon commission a multi-hundred-million-dollar lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State, a flagship project aligned with the administration’s commitment to local value addition and industrialization.

According to Alake, Nigeria’s mining sector suffered decades of stagnation due to weak governance and a lack of political courage. However, President Tinubu’s “bold and knowledge-driven leadership” has revived long-abandoned projects and restored investor confidence.

“All leaders come into office with the best intentions, but only those with vision and courage can turn ideas into reality. President Tinubu has demonstrated that leadership by reviving projects and policies neglected for decades,” he added.

He emphasized that the reforms are part of a broader strategy to make mining a major GDP contributor, strengthen local content, attract responsible investors, and curb the activities of illegal miners who once operated “with reckless abandon.”

While commending industry players for their commitment, Alake said collaboration between government, investors, and miners remains crucial to achieving sustainable growth.

“Without you the stakeholders, miners, and investors there would be no success story to tell. Together, we are climbing with both hands to reposition Nigeria’s mining sector for sustainable development,” he concluded.

Tinubu Declares Nigeria Has No Reason to Be Poor

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“Nigeria has no reason to be poor, not when God has blessed our land with abundant resources and talented people,” President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared on Tuesday, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to turn the nation’s mineral wealth into engines of growth and shared prosperity.

Speaking at the 10th Nigeria Mining Week held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Tinubu represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume said the ongoing reforms in the solid minerals sector are already yielding significant results. According to him, the sector generated ₦38 billion in 2024, a sixfold jump from ₦6 billion in 2023, reflecting improved policy direction and accountability.

“Our challenge is to harness these God-given potentials to bring prosperity to all. Let us turn our minerals into miracles of development. Let ‘From Minerals to Miracles’ be our rallying cry,” Tinubu said.

The President announced a ₦1 trillion investment the largest in Nigeria’s mining history dedicated to geoscientific exploration, data generation, and mining infrastructure across mineral-rich regions. The fund, drawn from the ₦4.5 trillion increase in the 2025 national budget, underscores the administration’s determination to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil.

He also disclosed the creation of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, a special-purpose investment vehicle that will serve as the “engine room” for mobilizing capital, structuring joint ventures, and boosting local mineral processing and beneficiation.

“Vision alone is not enough it requires decisive action and investment. The Nigeria Solid Minerals Company will ensure that the wealth beneath our feet becomes prosperity in our hands,” the President said.

Tinubu warned that his administration would not repeat the mistakes of the past that led to environmental degradation and inequity in resource-rich regions.

“We will not allow the errors of the past to be repeated. The wealth from mining must heal and build, not hurt or divide,” he vowed. “We are enforcing strict environmental regulations and promoting transparency through the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).”

He assured investors of improved security across mining corridors, with targeted measures to protect host communities, workers, and investors. He also pledged that every mining community would benefit from local employment, fair compensation, and infrastructure development.

Envisioning a vibrant future for the sector, Tinubu said:
“Imagine a Nigeria where gold from Zamfara powers a jewelry industry in Abuja, tin from Plateau drives electronics in Lagos, and limestone from Ogun builds our cities. This is not a distant dream it is within reach.”

The President commended the Miners Association of Nigeria, PwC Nigeria, and VUKA Group for sustaining the Mining Week as a premier platform for policy dialogue and investment, calling it “a continental beacon of transformation.”

Earlier, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, reaffirmed that the sector’s contribution to the GDP has risen sharply now accounting for 4.6 percent without any additional budgetary allocation, which he described as proof of effective reform implementation.

“From all available evidence, the results of our policy initiatives and reforms are yielding,” Alake said. “But we could not have done this aloneit is because of the unfettered cooperation and appreciation of stakeholders that we’ve achieved this much.”

Alake noted that Nigeria’s mining reforms are now attracting continental recognition, with several African nations adopting the country’s model through the newly formed African Mineral Plantation Group, where Nigeria plays a leading role.

He also disclosed that the government is closing key financing gaps in the sector, including foreign investment shortfalls, through innovative models under the African Joint Committee (AJC) framework to empower local investors.

The 10th Nigeria Mining Week, themed “Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance,” brought together policymakers, investors, and development partners to chart the future of Nigeria’s mining industry cementing the nation’s rise as Africa’s next hub for responsible, value-added mineral development.

Mahmoud Rallies Stakeholders to Tackle Rising Cancer Burden, Calls for Equity and Access in Care

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The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has urged stronger collaboration among stakeholders to curb the rising burden of cancer in Nigeria, describing it as one of the nation’s most urgent public health challenges.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 International Cancer Week held on Tuesday at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre, Abuja, Mahmoud said this year’s theme “Redefining the Future of Cancer Prevention, Access, and Equity for All” underscores the need to guarantee timely and affordable access to cancer prevention and treatment services for every Nigerian.

In a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Media, Austine Elemue, the Minister reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance healthcare delivery, strengthen partnerships, and build a future free of cancer.

“The fight against cancer extends beyond medical interventions; it requires empathy, education, innovation, and sustained investment in research,” Mahmoud stated.

She emphasized that the FCTA remains steadfast in building a resilient healthcare system that prioritizes disease prevention, early detection, and quality care for residents.

Mahmoud also noted ongoing investments in awareness campaigns, screening programmes, and public-private partnerships aimed at reducing the disease’s impact.

The Minister commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), the Nigeria Cancer Society, and development partners for their unwavering dedication to the cause.

“Only through collective action can we change the fate of families and communities affected by cancer,” Mahmoud added.