The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMH&SW) and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (“NSIA” or “The Authority”) today announced a significant partnership to enhance cancer care in six Federal tertiary hospitals in Nigeria marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”).

With the prevalence of cancer cases and resulting deaths in Nigeria, the FMOH Oncology Initiative, launched in 2021, aims to improve access to high-quality oncology care as well as early detection and prevention of the disease through strategic medical investments that include: the establishment of new oncology and nuclear medicine centres, upgrade of existing facilities and deployment of modern medical infrastructure in the participating tertiary institutions.

With a substantial N37.4 billion allocation from the Federal Government, the FMOH Oncology Initiative signifies a profound commitment to enhancing access to oncology care and support services Nationwide. For equitable access to oncology care, FMOH has designated the under-listed teaching hospitals within different geopolitical zones to be equipped with modern medical infrastructure to deliver oncology care within Nigeria.

• University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH)
• Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, (ABUTH)
• Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina, (FTHK)
• University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH)
• Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and
• Lagos University Teaching Hospital. (LUTH)

Proposed, cutting-edge medical infrastructure to be deployed in these teaching hospitals include linear accelerators, iridium brachytherapy machines, computed tomography (CT) simulators, positron emission tomography (PET) scanners, and cyclotrons. This comprehensive approach ensures that all participating hospitals have the required equipment for accurate diagnosis and effective management of oncology cases.

NSIA has been tasked with the implementation of the FMH&SW’s Oncology Initiative. This follows the success of NSIA’s three demonstration projects – NSIA LUTH Cancer Centre (NLCC), NSIA – Umuahia Diagnostic Centre (NUDC) and NSIA – Kano Diagnostic Centre (NKDC), as well as the subsequent rollout of the health care expansion programme to deliver 4 oncology centres, 23 modern medical diagnostic centres and 7 catheterization centres within the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.

FMOH is keen to undertake this journey with the NSIA in recognition of the Authority’s expertise in operationalizing world-class cancer centres and enhancing the capacity of key medical professionals within the oncology space through meaningful partnerships globally.

The FMOH has engaged NSIA to provide project management and advisory services to enable the seamless implementation of the Oncology Initiative. The FMOH is ready to leverage NSIA’s unparalleled expertise to ensure world-class project management and corresponding optimal resource utilisation.

The Authority will assume a pivotal role in overseeing the initiative’s progress, fostering strategic partnerships with equipment and service providers, and ensuring the flawless execution of the proposed initiative.

This collaborative endeavour between the FMOH and NSIA underscores the government’s steadfast dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for all Nigerians, with a particular emphasis on addressing the critical need for enhanced cancer care services.

About NSIA

The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority is an investment institution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, established by the Nigeria Sovereign Wealth Act (2011), to manage and invest in a diversified portfolio of medium and long-term funds. Its mission is to play a leading role in driving sustained economic development for the benefit of all Nigerians through building a savings base for the Nigerian people, enhancing the development of Nigeria’s infrastructure, and providing stabilization support in times of economic stress. NSIA operates three distinct funds, the Stabilization Fund, the Future Generations Fund, and the Nigeria Infrastructure Fund. For more information, please visit www.nsia.com.ng