Abuja, July 1, 2025 — In a unified move to combat one of Nigeria’s deadliest health challenges, the wives of the 36 state governors have pledged their collective commitment to advancing cancer control and management nationwide.
The declaration was made at a high-level advocacy meeting held in Abuja, where the governors’ spouses reaffirmed their dedication to promoting equitable access to cancer treatment, early detection, and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the disease’s burden.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum (NGWF), Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, stated that cancer remains a pressing public health concern in Nigeria, with thousands of lives lost annually due to late diagnosis, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to lifesaving treatment.
“We can no longer stand by as our people—especially women and children—continue to lose their lives to a disease that is treatable when caught early,” she said. “Our collective voice and platform will be used to mobilize action, advocate for better policies, and support the health sector to make cancer care a priority.”
The forum outlined plans to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health, private sector partners, and non-governmental organizations to scale up cancer screening programs, build treatment centers, and push for the integration of cancer care into existing primary healthcare frameworks.
Nigeria records an estimated 120,000 new cancer cases each year, with cervical, breast, and prostate cancers being the most prevalent. Experts say late presentation, poor awareness, and high treatment costs remain major contributors to the country’s high cancer mortality rate.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, welcomed the initiative, stating that partnerships with the NGWF would significantly boost national efforts to decentralize cancer care and expand outreach to rural and underserved communities.
The event ended with a symbolic pledge signing by all 36 first ladies, signaling a coordinated commitment to champion cancer-related interventions in their respective states. Stakeholders believe the initiative could be a game changer in reducing the disease’s impact across Nigeria if fully implemented and supported with sustainable funding.