Ex-Minister Chidoka Pushes for Increased Cancer Care Funding at NASS
Former Aviation Minister and founder of the Nneka Chidoka Outreach Programme (NCOP), Chief Osita Chidoka, has called on Nigerian lawmakers to prioritize cancer care funding in the 2025 national budget.
During a visit to the Senate Committee on Health and the House of Representatives Committee on Special Healthcare on January 17, 2025, Chidoka presented a comprehensive advocacy plan to address Nigeria’s cancer crisis.
This plan includes a push for the creation of a sustainable Catastrophic Health Insurance Fund (CHIF) to cover cancer, sickle cell, and renal disease, with an initial N25 billion allocation.
Chidoka also highlighted the urgent need to bridge a N97 billion funding gap to complete and upgrade six Cancer Centres of Excellence across the country.
He stressed the devastating impact of inadequate funding, noting that over 124,000 Nigerians are diagnosed with cancer annually, with many unable to access life-saving treatment.
“Cancer care must be accessible to all Nigerians, no matter their location or financial status,” Chidoka stated. “Lawmakers must take action to invest in equitable and sustainable cancer care to save lives.”
With over $2 billion spent annually on medical tourism, much of it for cancer treatment, Chidoka emphasized the unsustainability of this model and called for an end to Nigeria’s dependence on foreign medical services.
NCOP has worked closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) and supports the Minister’s bold plan for health sector reform.
Chidoka, a former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), reiterated NCOP’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in the fight against cancer.
He also urged Nigerians to sign NCOP’s petition calling for increased cancer care funding.
“We can no longer allow Nigerians to suffer and die from lack of access to treatment. Cancer is a national emergency, and the time to act is now,” Chidoka declared.
Support the cause for increased cancer care funding by signing NCOP’s petition and helping save lives.
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