President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a N302.3 billion project for a flagship National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) facility, aimed at expanding Nigeria’s capacity for cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and specialist training.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the project in Abuja on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, with Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, announcing the decision after the meeting.
Awarded to CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Nigeria Limited, the contract covers construction, furnishing, equipping and commissioning of the facility, with completion scheduled within 36 months. Funding is provided for in the 2025 and 2026 national budgets.
NICRAT Director-General, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, welcomed the approval in a statement issued on Tuesday, August 25, describing it as a major step towards addressing gaps in Nigeria’s cancer-care system.
He said the institute would combine advanced clinical services with oncology research, innovation and specialist training, while expanding access to sophisticated cancer treatment locally.
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Aliyu said the investment could reduce medical tourism and retain funds currently spent by Nigerians seeking cancer treatment abroad.
He added that the facility could attract patients, researchers and healthcare professionals from across Africa, positioning Nigeria as a regional centre for cancer treatment and researchÂ
The institute will also support evidence-based health policy, technology-driven care and collaboration with leading institutions in Nigeria, Africa and beyond, he said.
The project comes amid broader efforts to expand cancer services, including upgrades to cancer centres in Katsina, Benin and Enugu.
NICRAT, established under the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment Act, 2017, is mandated to provide national leadership in cancer research, treatment and control.
Aliyu commended Pate, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, and Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom for their roles in advancing the project.