HEADS OF DEPARTMENT
OUR 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.

Haj. Hajara Abubakar Manga
Ag. Director Admin & Finance
Department of Administration
The Director of Administration provides strategic leadership in the management of human resources, personnel affairs, organizational development, and administrative services of the Institute. The Director ensures the efficient coordination of staff welfare, capacity building, policy implementation, records management, and general administrative operations, fostering an enabling environment for the achievement of NICRAT’s mandate.
Department of Finance and Accounts
The Director of Finance and Accounts oversees the financial management and accounting functions of the Institute, ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with government financial regulations. The Director is responsible for budget preparation and execution, financial reporting, revenue and expenditure management, internal controls, and prudent utilization of resources to support the Institute’s strategic objectives and operational effectiveness.

Prof. Musa Ali-Gombe
Director Clinical Services
Department of Clinical Services
The Director of Clinical Services provides strategic and clinical leadership for the coordination and delivery of high-quality cancer care services within the Institute’s network. The Director oversees the organization of clinical operations, including oncology care pathways, patient management systems, multidisciplinary team coordination, and adherence to established clinical guidelines and standards. The department ensures that patients receive safe, effective, and evidence-based diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care services.
The Director also plays a key role in strengthening clinical capacity through training, continuous professional development, and collaboration with national and international oncology centers. By fostering integration between clinical practice, research, and teaching, the department supports improved patient outcomes and contributes to advancing oncology practice in Nigeria through innovation, quality assurance, and adherence to global best practices.

Dr. Usman Muhammad Waziri
Ag. Director Cancer Prevention and Control
Department of Cancer Prevention and Control
The Director of Cancer Prevention and Control leads the development, implementation, and coordination of national strategies aimed at reducing the incidence and burden of cancer in Nigeria. The Director provides technical and strategic oversight for cancer prevention initiatives, including public awareness campaigns, health promotion activities, risk-factor reduction programs, vaccination advocacy, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Through evidence-based interventions, the department works to enhance public understanding of cancer prevention and encourage early health-seeking behaviors.
The Director also oversees the planning and implementation of cancer screening, early detection, and community outreach programs in collaboration with government agencies, healthcare institutions, development partners, and civil society organizations. By strengthening preventive services and expanding access to timely screening and diagnosis, the department contributes significantly to improving cancer outcomes and advancing Nigeria’s national cancer control agenda.

Dr. Chinyere Okafor
Head, Cancer Research and Resource Mobilization
Department of Cancer Research and Resource Mobilization
The Director/Head of Cancer Research and Resource Mobilization provides strategic leadership in advancing cancer research, innovation, and evidence generation to support informed decision-making and policy development. The Director oversees the coordination of research activities, promotes multidisciplinary collaborations, facilitates scientific studies, and encourages the translation of research findings into practical interventions that improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship outcomes in Nigeria.
The Director/Head is also responsible for mobilizing financial, technical, and institutional resources to strengthen the Institute’s programs and initiatives. This includes developing partnerships with government agencies, development partners, academic institutions, private sector organizations, and international stakeholders to attract grants, funding opportunities, and strategic investments. Through effective resource mobilization and research leadership, the department supports NICRAT’s mission of driving innovation and sustainable progress in cancer control and treatment across the country.

Dr. Joy Iya-Benson
Head Cancer Surveillance and Monitoring
Department of Cancer Surveillance and Monitoring
The Director/Head of Cancer Surveillance and Monitoring provides strategic leadership for the collection, analysis, management, and dissemination of high-quality cancer data to support evidence-based decision-making and national cancer control planning. The Director oversees the development and strengthening of cancer surveillance systems, population-based and hospital-based cancer registries, data quality assurance processes, and the monitoring of cancer trends, incidence, prevalence, mortality, and survival across Nigeria.
The Director/Head also coordinates the monitoring and evaluation of cancer-related programs, policies, and interventions to assess their effectiveness and impact. Working closely with healthcare institutions, cancer registries, government agencies, and development partners, the department ensures the availability of reliable data for research, policy formulation, resource allocation, and program improvement. Through robust surveillance and monitoring systems, the department contributes to strengthening Nigeria’s cancer control efforts and improving outcomes for patients nationwide.

Engr. Umar Mohammed
Head, General Services
Department of General Services
The Director/Head of General Services provides strategic oversight for the planning, coordination, and management of essential support services that facilitate the smooth operation of the Institute. The Director is responsible for supervising facilities management, transportation services, procurement support, logistics, maintenance of office infrastructure and equipment, security coordination, and other operational functions necessary for effective service delivery across the Institute.
The Director/Head also ensures the efficient utilization of institutional resources and the implementation of best practices in service management to enhance productivity and operational excellence. By coordinating support services and maintaining a conducive working environment, the department plays a vital role in enabling NICRAT’s departments and units to effectively execute their mandates and achieve the Institute’s strategic objectives in cancer research, prevention, treatment, and control.