As cancer remains a significant public health challenge, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud has called for urgent, inclusive, and sustained action in the fight against the disease.
The minister made this call at the commemoration of the 2025 World Cancer Day, organised by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) in Abuja.
Mahmoud emphasised that the present FCT administration is not only investing in infrastructure, but is also taking deliberate steps to strengthen the healthcare system, ensuring that residents of the FCT have better access to quality services, including cancer prevention and treatment.
She also called for collaboration to ensure that no one in the FCT was left behind in the fight against cancer.
“We understand that tackling cancer requires collective efforts. This is why the FCT administration is committed to forging strategic partnerships with institutions like NICRAT to enhance cancer awareness, build capacity for prevention and early detection, and improve access to screening and treatment services,” the minister said.
She commended the NICRAT for its dedication to advancing cancer prevention, treatment, and research in Nigeria, adding that “the commitment to driving awareness and fostering collaboration is truly commendable, and today’s event is yet another testament to your tireless efforts.”
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Mahmoud assured that the FCT administration remains ready to work hand in hand with NICRAT and all stakeholders to drive impactful interventions that would improve the health indices of residents and ultimately save lives.
Director General of the NICRAT, Prof. Usman Aliyu said that the World Cancer Day is targeted at raising awareness, improving education, and catalysing joint action to prevent cancer, as well as to support those affected by the disease.
While speaking on this year’s theme: “United by unique,” the director general highlighted the importance of collaboration to create inclusive cancer solutions globally.
Aliyu emphasised that since its inception, the NICRAT has initiated and sustained robust collaboration with local and international partners on training of the cancer workforce at all levels of care, research, and contemporary preventive measures.
He therefore, assured that the institute will continue to work hard to ensure the actualization of the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu in the health sector, especially in cancer care.