Experts have warned of a worsening cancer care crisis in Nigeria as 16 states lack oncologists, leaving patients at risk of late diagnoses and poor outcomes.
At least 16 Nigerian states currently have no radiation or clinical oncologists, a shortage experts warn is worsening late presentation and poor cancer outcomes nationwide.
The President of the Nigeria Cancer Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, raised the concern at the inaugural Science of Advanced Prostate Cancer (SoAPCA) Conference in Lagos, where leading oncologists, researchers, and policymakers from Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States gathered.
“As we speak now, there are 16 states in Nigeria with no single radiation or clinical oncologist. And you cannot talk about cancer care without them,” Omonisi said. He described the imbalance as “dangerous,” noting Lagos alone has nearly half of the country’s specialists while others are overstretched.
He criticised inadequate funding, saying only ₦150 million was allocated for cancer treatment in the 2025 federal budget. Experts at the conference called for urgent policy reforms, inclusive clinical trials, and stronger research funding to close Africa’s cancer treatment gaps.