The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to equitable access to lifesaving cancer treatments as Nigeria enrolls its first patient in the Innovative Cancer Medicine (ICM) Demonstration Project, a landmark initiative to introduce cutting-edge immunotherapy into the nation’s cancer care landscape.
Speaking at the formal launch of the ICM Demonstration Project held on Tuesday, 21st October 2025, at the National Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Salako described the milestone as “a symbol of hope that patients in low- and middle-income countries will no longer have to wait decades to benefit from the same lifesaving innovations available elsewhere.”
The Innovative Cancer Medicine Demonstration Project is a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI), and pharmaceutical partners Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) and Roche. The initiative introduces nivolumab, an immunotherapy drug that harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. This is already transforming lives globally.
“This is not merely a demonstration study,” Dr. Salako emphasized. “It is proof that innovative cancer care can be delivered safely, sustainably, and locally. Through this initiative, we will gather critical data to shape an African model of sustainable access to advanced medicines.”
Dr. Salako noted that the project aligns with the National Cancer Control Plan and the Renewed Hope Health Agenda ofMr. President, which prioritises early detection, local research, and affordable access to diagnostics and treatment.
He revealed that the Federal Government has made unprecedented budgetary provisions in 2025 to strengthen cancer infrastructure nationwide, including the operationalisation of the six regional cancer centres of excellence.
“The Federal Government recognises that oncology care remains one of the main reasons for outbound medical tourism,” Dr. Salako said. “We are determined to reverse this trend by investing in infrastructure, prevention, and access to innovative treatment.”
He commended institutions such as the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) for advancing research ethics digitization, regulatory strengthening, and workforce capacity development.
Dr. Salako also urged regulatory bodies to facilitate innovation through timely and efficient processes while maintaining public health safeguards.
The Minister lauded the management and staff of the National Hospital, Abuja, and project partners for their leadership and collaboration, noting that “every innovation must ultimately serve the people.”
“Let this partnership mark the beginning of a new era where no Nigerian dies unnecessarily because advanced care is out of reach,” he said. “Together, we can make Nigeria and indeed Africa a leader in world-class, patient-centered cancer care.”
The Innovative Cancer Medicine Demonstration Project signals a major step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to transform cancer treatment delivery, strengthen research collaboration, and ensure that access to innovation becomes a right, not a privilege, for all Nigerians.
