WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE DG/CEO
Dear distinguished visitors,
On behalf of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), I warmly welcome you to our website.
Our institute is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of cancer research, treatment, and prevention, with a strong focus on improving patient care and outcomes. We are committed to creating a world-class centre of excellence that will lead the fight against cancer on a national and international scale.
Cancer is a formidable adversary that affects the lives of millions of people and their loved ones. It demands our utmost attention and unwavering commitment. At the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, we bring together leading scientists, physicians, and experts across various disciplines to collaborate and advance our understanding of this intricate disease. Through our cutting-edge research, we are striving to make breakthrough discoveries that will transform cancer care.
Our institute also places great emphasis on education and training. We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of cancer researchers, and healthcare professionals. Although the institute is at it is teething stage, we are working tirelessly to establish a wide range of educational programs, fellowships, and training opportunities through collaboration to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to confront the challenges posed by cancer.
In addition to our research and educational endeavours, we are deeply committed to promoting cancer prevention and awareness. We strongly believe that prevention and early detection play a crucial role in reducing the burden of cancer. We actively engage with communities, organizations, and policymakers to advocate for policies and practices that promote healthy lifestyles and access to cancer screening and prevention programs.
I invite you to explore our website and learn more about the incredible work that takes place at the institute. Here, you will find information about our research programs, educational initiatives, and collaborative partnerships. Whether you are a patient seeking information or a researcher looking for opportunities, we are here to support and guide you.
I express my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff members, committed partners, and generous supporters who make our work possible. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer.
Thank you for visiting our website, and I encourage you to connect with us to join our mission of conquering cancer.
Warm regards,
Professor Usman Malami Aliyu, MBBS, MPH, FWACS
Director General
LATEST NEWS & ARTICLES
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NICRAT hosts 5th Annual Colorectal Cancer Workshop
The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) recently hosted the 5th annual colorectal cancer workshop in Africa. The event which took place between April 7-11, 2025, was titled: Raising Awareness. It was both hybrid and physical. The workshop, according to the Acting Director, Clinical Services of NICRAT, Prof. Musa-Ali Gombe, highlighted the burden
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NICRAT trains research officers
The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has organised a 5-day training for cancer research officers. The training which is christened: Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Cancer Research and Implementation (SINCCAR), was declared open by the NICRAT Director General, @Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Abuja. According to Prof. Malami,
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RENEWED HOPE INITIATIVE OF THE FIRST LADY OF NIGERIA, OLUREMI TINUBU DONATES N1BN TO FIGHT CERVICAL CANCER IN NIGERIA
As World Health Day is commemorated globally The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerians, especially women to speak up and seek appropriate help whenever they have medical challenges. She was speaking while receiving a delegation of the National Task-force on Cervical Cancer Elimination led by the Minister of State for
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FG launches BRANT App to support Cancer treatment
As part of efforts to combat breast cancer in Nigeria, the Federal Government, in partnership with Roche Nigeria, has launched the Breast Cancer Access Navigation and Testing (BRANT) App. The initiative aims to enhance patient care, streamline support systems, and empower individuals battling the disease. Speaking at the launch ceremony in Abuja, the Director-General of
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NICRAT intensifies awareness on HPV vaccine uptake
The Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, has revealed that the Institute has concluded plans to launch massive awareness campaign on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine uptake. He disclosed this when members of International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS) Nigeria Chapter paid him a courtesy visit in
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Cervical cancer elimination: NICRAT partners Pathfinder for human papilloma virus (HPV) modelling to strengthen primary prevention and screening.
On Monday, February 17, 2025, a team from Pathfinder International led by a program manager, Asma’u Salihijo visited the Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, in his office in Abuja. The discussion centred on partnership to improve cervical cancer data generation in Nigeria, improve HPV
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NICRAT DG signs performance pact with departmental, unit heads
The Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, has signed what he christened as ‘performance pact’ with all departmental and unit heads of the Institute. This is to ensure that each department and unit delivers on its plans for the year 2025. He signed the performance
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NCS President visits NICRAT, decorates DG as Ambassador
The newly sworn-in President of the Nigeria Cancer Society (NCS), Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, on Monday, January 13, 2025, visited the Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, in his office, in Abuja. This is a follow up of the earlier visit last week led by the
ABOUT US
The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) was established by the Federal Government to provide National leadership in Cancer Research, Treatment and Control in Nigeria. The NICRAT Establishment Act 2017 also empowers the Institute to guide scientific improvement to cancer prevention, treatment and care; and to among others, coordinate and liaise with the wide range of groups and health care providers with interest in cancer.
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OUR MANDATE
- Provide national leadership in cancer research, treatment and control.
- Guide scientific improvement to cancer prevention, treatment and cure.
- Coordinate and liaise within the wide range of groups and health care providers with interest in cancer.
- Make recommendations to the government about cancer policies and priorities.
- Oversee a dedicated budget for research into cancer.
- Assist with the implementation of Government policies and programmes in cancer control.
- Provide financial assistance, out of money appropriated by the National Assembly for research and treatment and for the implementation of policies and programs mentioned in (F) of this subsection
- The Institute may carry out such other activities as are necessary or expedient for the full performance of any of the functions of the Institute under this Act
OBJECTIVES OF THE INSTITUTE
The strategic focus of the Institute as enshrined in the Act are as follows;
Policy Advisory in Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Control
Regulating and Enhancing Access to Cancer Care in Nigeria
Research and Development in Cancer Prevention and Control
Resource Mobilization for Cancer Prevention and Control
Establishing and Maintaining a Cancer Registry
Public Education and Awareness Creation in Cancer
Capacity Development in Cancer Prevention and Control
MISSION
To be a leading institute with focus on eliminating Cancer, through regulations and policies that ensure high quality research, evidence-based treatment, prevention and control strategies driven by highly competent personnel.
VISION
A leading organization in Cancer Research, Treatment, Prevention and Control in Nigeria and Africa.
OUR EVENTS
General Cancer Statistics in Nigeria
“Diving into Cancer Diversity: A Comprehensive Look at Cancer Statistics in Nigeria and Worldwide”
Cancer encompasses over 100 distinct types, with a significant global impact. Understanding cancer statistics, both within Nigeria and globally, holds paramount importance. These statistics furnish crucial data on diagnosis, fatalities, and survivors, aiding policymakers and the public in comprehending the issue, formulating effective strategies, and evaluating policy success.
The World Health Organization (WHO) cites cancer as the second leading global cause of death, contributing to 1 in 6 fatalities worldwide. Approximately 70% of cancer-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income nations, including Nigeria.
In Nigeria, the National Cancer Control Plan (2018–2022) indicates a staggering 72,000 annual cancer-related deaths and an estimated 102,000 new cases yearly. The country’s cancer mortality ratio is alarmingly high compared to other nations. For instance, while the US reports a 19% breast cancer fatality rate, Nigeria experiences a disconcerting 51% mortality rate.
Breast cancer dominates among women, while prostate cancer prevails among men in Nigeria. The Global Cancer Observatory 2018 (Globocan) reports 115,950 total cancer cases in Nigeria, with breast cancer accounting for 22.7%, cervical cancer for 12.9%, prostate cancer for 11.3%, colorectal cancer for 5.8%, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma for 4.6%, and other types for 42.7%.
Evidently, breast and cervical cancers stand out as the most prevalent cases overall, translating to a higher incidence among women. The 2018 Globocan data reveals 71,022 cases in women and 44,928 cases in men.
