The Federal Government has expanded financial assistance for cancer patients through dedicated health funds and insurance initiatives while increasing investment in local research, drug manufacturing and clinical trials aimed at making cancer treatment more affordable and accessible.

The Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Usman Malami, disclosed this during the Best of American Society of Clinical Oncology Africa 2026 Conference held in Abuja.

The conference, organised in partnership with the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer, was themed, "From Global Discovery to Local Delivery: Driving Africa to the Cutting Edge of Cancer Care."

Speaking at the event, Malami acknowledged that the cost of cancer treatment remains beyond the reach of many Nigerians but noted that the Federal Government has introduced several interventions to ease the financial burden.

He explained that the Catastrophic Health Fund, managed by the National Health Insurance Authority, subsidises cancer prevention, diagnosis, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for eligible patients.

He added that NICRAT also administers the National Cancer Health Fund, which provides financial assistance to indigent cancer patients.

— TVC