The Federal Government has launched an ambitious national partnership to eliminate cervical cancer in Nigeria by 2030, with First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s ₦1 billion intervention and unwavering advocacy earning praise as a catalyst for this historic initiative.
The official launch of the Partnership for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Nigeria (PECCiN) held on Tuesday at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, drew attention from high-level stakeholders, including the First Lady and key health officials.
Delivering a special address at the event, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the First Lady as “our chief public health champion,” applauding her leadership, vision, and consistent investment in cancer prevention.
> “Your Excellency, your unwavering commitment to improving population health, particularly your willingness to lead this partnership, is an inspiration to us all,” Salako said.
“Your generous donation of ₦1 billion through the Renewed Hope Initiative provided the lifeline that energized the National Taskforce and set it on the path to deliver on its mandate.”
He recalled how Senator Tinubu led the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in 2023, resulting in the vaccination of nearly 14 million young girls across Nigeria — a monumental step in preventing cervical cancer.
Despite being preventable and curable if detected early, cervical cancer remains the second most common and second deadliest cancer among Nigerian women, mainly due to late diagnosis, low awareness, and poor access to treatment.
> “Today, we are changing that narrative,” Dr. Salako declared. “This partnership reflects our collective resolve to protect the health and dignity of more than 60 million Nigerian women at risk.”
The event marked one year since the National Taskforce for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer was inaugurated by the Ministry, with a clear mandate to work with the Nigeria Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) and align Nigeria’s efforts with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 90–70–90 targets — aiming for 90% HPV vaccination, 70% screening coverage, and 90% access to treatment by 2030.
Under the leadership of former Health Minister Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole, the taskforce has developed a strategic policy framework, conducted high-level advocacy, and successfully convened this nationwide partnership.
Dr. Salako reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to tackling cancer across the board through prevention, early detection, and affordable treatment. He announced the establishment of six cancer centres of excellence — one per geopolitical zone — with three already completed and the others scheduled for commissioning by February 2026.
> “In addition to the six new centres, seven other federal hospitals are already offering oncology services,” he noted. “We plan to upgrade six more federal institutions in 2025 to ensure nationwide access to quality cancer care before 2030.”
To ease the financial burden on patients, Dr. Salako said the Federal Government is strengthening the Cancer Health Fund and exploring new models, including the Catastrophic Health Insurance Fund, to support Nigerians facing expensive, long-term cancer treatment.
He also disclosed that the Nuclear Medicine Technical Working Group has been revived to enhance cancer diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and post-treatment surveillance.
Dr. Salako closed his address with a call to action:
> “The elimination of cervical cancer in Nigeria is possible. We have the political will, the leadership, the technical know-how, and the tools. I call on state governments, development partners, the private sector, civil society, and the media to rally behind this mission.”
> “Let us work hand in hand with our Chief Public Health Champion, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to ensure that the vision of a cervical cancer-free Nigeria becomes reality.”
The PECCiN launch signals a new era in Nigeria’s fight against cancer, anchoring hope in a united, science-driven, and compassionate approach to saving lives.
