Federal Government unveils plans to reduce cancer treatment costs
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
The Federal Government is expanding funding, local drug production, and research to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, aiming to ease patients' financial burdens. Professor Usman Aliyu, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, announced these measures at the Best of American Society of Clinical Oncology Africa 2026 conference in Abuja. Initiatives include the Catastrophic Health Fund under the National Health Insurance Authority, which subsidizes cancer care for eligible patients, and the National Cancer Health Fund by NICRAT, supporting indigent patients. The Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain will promote local production of cancer medicines. Dr. Lolade Adewale, Special Adviser on Research and Innovation to the Minister of State for Health, noted the expansion of financial protection through targeted insurance schemes and the commencement of three immunotherapy clinical studies, making advanced medicines like Nivolumab and Keytruda available at no cost to participating Nigerians. Dr. Miriam Mutebi, immediate Past President of AORTIC, highlighted Africa's low contribution to global cancer research and urged governments to invest one percent of GDP in research and development. Dr. Julie Gralow, Chief Medical Officer of ASCO, emphasized adapting global evidence to African settings while addressing affordability and access.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The final group of 40 stranded Nigerians has been evacuated from South Africa, arriving at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. This brings the total number of Nigerians repatriated under the Federal Government's evacuation program to 1,174. The returnees expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving their evacuation, and also thanked Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Acting Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Temitope Alexander-Ajayi, and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for their assistance. Officials from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission received the evacuees and announced financial support. Returnees from Imo State received N1m each through Governor Hope Uzodimma, while MTN provided free SIM packs with data worth N50,000 and pledged N100,000 to each returnee's bank account. Edo and Delta State governments also announced support packages for their indigenes. The JAAL Foundation pledged empowerment support for 50 female returnees, and Apostle Dr Chibuzor Gift Chinwe of Omega Power Ministries Worldwide provided free accommodation for about 52 returnees, skills acquisition, and free education for their children. Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters Church donated N100,000 to 66 returnees, and Cruxstone, a real estate firm, offered financial support to the first group of evacuees. Various government agencies were present to document and receive the returnees.
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, stated that national security can no longer be achieved solely through force, but requires trust, transparency, and shared responsibility. Speaking at the Lagos PR Fest 2026, he highlighted strategic public relations as crucial for effective nation-building and sustainable security. Disu, represented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police Simeon Akpanudom, stressed the need for collaboration among government institutions, media, communication professionals, and citizens to address modern security challenges. He advocated for transparent, two-way engagement to build public confidence and transform citizens into active partners in safeguarding national security. Key priorities identified include rebuilding institutional credibility, promoting transparency and accountability, strengthening grassroots engagement for intelligence, expanding youth participation, fostering unified national messaging, and deepening collaboration during crises. The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NIPR, Dr Samuel Ayetutu, emphasized that communication, public perception, and trust are vital components of Nigeria's security architecture, asserting that public relations is a necessity, not a luxury, in the fight against insecurity.
Following the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State, there is increased pressure on President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to replicate this intelligence-led operation across Nigeria. Families of victims, religious and community leaders, civil society organizations, and opposition politicians are urging the Federal Government to secure the release of hundreds of other schoolchildren, women, and citizens still held captive in states like Borno, Kwara, and Kaduna. In Borno State, families of 78 students abducted in separate Boko Haram attacks expressed renewed hope but also frustration over the prolonged silence regarding their children's fate. Similarly, in Kwara State, the rescue has reignited calls for action concerning 176 women and children abducted earlier this year. Kaduna State also faces pleas for rescue, with reports indicating some captives may have died. Public affairs analysts and political parties, including the African Democratic Congress, are advocating for the Oyo model to be a template for nationwide operations, emphasizing the need for equal attention across all regions and proactive measures to prevent abductions. The Presidency, through the President's Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, stated that President Tinubu has directed security and intelligence agencies to secure the release of all Nigerians in captivity, regardless of location.