Economy
Tinubu Government unveils health insurance for sickle cell, cancer patients
Tinubu Government unveils health insurance for sickle cell, cancer patients
Tinubu Government unveils health insurance for sickle cell, cancer patients. Mr Salako stressed that cancer care should not be limited to urban areas.
The federal government has announced the development of a comprehensive implementation plan for catastrophic health insurance to support patients with end-stage renal diseases, sickle cell disease, and cancers.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, revealed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a ministerial media conference to mark World Cancer Day 2025.
This year’s global theme for World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, is “United by Unique.”
Mr Salako explained that the government had developed the health insurance plan in line with the National Health Insurance Authority Act of 2022, with a focus on cancer care.
He said the health insurance would benefit from the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and other funding mechanisms within the NHIA.
He added that the ministry was scaling up efforts to improve access to cancer care services in all federal tertiary hospitals for timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.
Mr Salako stated, “Plans have been finalised to establish and upgrade six federal teaching hospitals across the country with new radiotherapy and nuclear medicine facilities. Three of these centres are set to be commissioned in May 2025, with the remaining three to be commissioned before World Cancer Day 2026.’’
He emphasised that the initiative would continue throughout the administration, with the goal of ensuring that by 2030, all regions of Nigeria would be equipped to treat all forms of cancer.
He added that the strategy aligned with the World Health Organisation’s global target of eliminating cervical cancer and other preventable cancers by 2030.
Mr Salako stressed that cancer care should not be limited to urban areas and announced that the federal government would incentivise states and local governments to participate more actively in cancer treatment.
The minister also inaugurated a newly constituted 35-member Nuclear Medicine Technical Working Group (NM-TWG) to advise the ministry on developing and implementing nuclear medicine services in Nigeria.
He said this was part of strengthening the country’s collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other international partners.
Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Usman Aliyu, outlined significant strides in implementing the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan (2023–2027).
The federal government has announced the development of a comprehensive implementation plan for catastrophic health insurance to support patients with end-stage renal diseases, sickle cell disease, and cancers.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, revealed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a ministerial media conference to mark World Cancer Day 2025.
This year’s global theme for World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, is “United by Unique.”
Mr Salako explained that the government had developed the health insurance plan in line with the National Health Insurance Authority Act of 2022, with a focus on cancer care.
He said the health insurance would benefit from the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and other funding mechanisms within the NHIA.
He added that the ministry was scaling up efforts to improve access to cancer care services in all federal tertiary hospitals for timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.
Mr Salako stated, “Plans have been finalised to establish and upgrade six federal teaching hospitals across the country with new radiotherapy and nuclear medicine facilities. Three of these centres are set to be commissioned in May 2025, with the remaining three to be commissioned before World Cancer Day 2026.’
He emphasised that the initiative would continue throughout the administration, with the goal of ensuring that by 2030, all regions of Nigeria would be equipped to treat all forms of cancer.
He added that the strategy aligned with the World Health Organisation’s global target of eliminating cervical cancer and other preventable cancers by 2030.
Mr Salako stressed that cancer care should not be limited to urban areas and announced that the federal government would incentivise states and local governments to participate more actively in cancer treatment.
The minister also inaugurated a newly constituted 35-member Nuclear Medicine Technical Working Group (NM-TWG) to advise the ministry on developing and implementing nuclear medicine services in Nigeria.
He said this was part of strengthening the country’s collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other international partners.
Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Usman Aliyu, outlined significant strides in implementing the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan (2023–2027).
Mr Aliyu said, “These efforts include training healthcare workers in basic cancer prevention services across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and introducing preventive oncology clinical services starting in 2024. NICRAT is also focused on building research capacity in selected institutions and pioneering collaborative research in cancer genomics.
“This initiative will map genetic mutations of common cancers in Nigeria, laying the foundation for precision oncology care not just in Nigeria but across the black race.’’
However, President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Abidemi Omonisi, criticised the N150 million allocated to the Cancer Health Fund in the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
He noted that cancer treatment often costs between N15 million and N25 million, which many patients cannot afford.
Mr Omonisi also called for neglected cancers to be included in the CHF.
Tinubu
He further lamented the lack of involvement from many state governments in the fight against cancer.
He stressed that, while the federal government was making significant efforts, the states needed to do more for the initiative to have a real impact.
The Country Representative of WHO, Walter Mulombo, commented on the theme, emphasising that it highlighted the unique experience of every cancer patient and advocated a people-centred approach to cancer care.
Mr Mulombo stated, “This approach ensures that health systems focus not only on treating the disease but also on the needs and experiences of individuals, families, and communities.’’
World Cancer Day serves as an international observance to raise awareness about cancer and encourage prevention, early detection, and treatment.
The “United by Unique” campaign promotes a people-centred approach to cancer care, putting individuals and communities at the heart of health systems.
Customs Seizes 34,470L Of Smuggled Petrol At Taraba-Cameroon Border
Customs seizes 34,470L of Smuggled petrol at Taraba-Cameroon border. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its crackdown on fuel smuggling, seizing 34,470 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and a heavy-duty transportation truck in a three-hour operation along the Taraba-Cameroon border.
The enforcement, led by the Customs’ Operation Whirlwind unit, targeted smugglers operating through Gembu and Kan-Iyaka in Sardauna LGA, a known smuggling corridor.
Speaking at a public auction in Jalingo, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the operation was carried out with support from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Adeniyi explained that intelligence from the inter-agency intelligence fusion center detected unusual fuel movement patterns in the Sorofi and Kan-Iyaka areas between March 8 and 9, 2025.
Acting on this, field teams executed a series of coordinated interceptions, disrupting what appeared to be an emerging smuggling route.
The seizure included 1,149 Jerry cans of PMS, each containing 30 liters, totaling 34,470 liters. A specialized transportation truck valued at ₦4 million was also confiscated, bringing the total duty-paid value to ₦37.78 million.
Adeniyi noted that a significant portion of the smuggled fuel was intercepted in Gembu, while 180 Jerry cans and the truck were seized en route to the Kan-Iyaka border crossing.
Cameroon Border
Describing fuel smuggling as a threat to national security and economic stability, Adeniyi urged security agencies to remain vigilant. He stressed that petrol is vital to economic activities and warned that shortages could slow down the economy.
He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to tackling smuggling networks and safeguarding Nigeria’s energy sector and economic interests.
Akwa Ibom Lawmaker Covers Medical Bills For Patients At Palmer Memorial Hospital
Akwa Ibom Lawmaker covers medical bills for patients at palmer memorial Hospital. For patients at Palmer Memorial Hospital in Ikot Usen, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, financial hardship often stood between them and life-saving treatment. That changed when Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Basy Okon, the Member Representing Itu-Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, stepped in to settle outstanding medical bills, offering patients a renewed chance at life.
The compassionate gesture came during Day 2 of the ongoing free medical and surgical outreach sponsored by the lawmaker across Itu and Ibiono Ibom Local Government Areas. While inspecting the outreach on Day 1, Okon learned of emergency cases where patients remained stranded due to unpaid hospital bills.
Moved by their plight, he personally cleared their debts a decision he emphasized was outside the outreach’s budget, but a private intervention to support his constituents in urgent need.
Among the beneficiaries was Abasima Offiong, who had suffered a spinal cord injury and required emergency surgery. With no means to cover the cost, his condition was critical, until Hon.Okon’s intervention ensured his procedure was fully funded.
Another case was Idongesit Ndifreke, who had undergone a Caesarean section but remained in the hospital for over two weeks due to unpaid bills. The lawmaker’s generosity not only secured her discharge but also allowed her to return home with her newborn.
Akwa Ibom
One of the most harrowing stories involved a woman whose unborn child had died in the womb. Lacking funds for an emergency procedure, her life hung in the balance. Overcome with emotion, Okon immediately took over the cost of surgery, ensuring swift medical intervention to save her life.
Speaking during the event, the lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to humanitarian efforts. “When God blesses us, we should also be a blessing to others,” he said, underscoring the importance of compassion and community support. Grateful beneficiaries and their families hailed Okon’s intervention as both timely and life-saving.
As the free medical and surgical outreach continues, it remains a beacon of hope for residents of Itu and Ibiono Ibom, reinforcing Okon’s dedication to accessible healthcare and the well-being of his constituents.
Government Approves N1.149bn For Solar Street Lights, Infrastructure In Gombe
Government approves N1.149bn for solar street lights, infrastructure in Gombe. He said the governor approved the projects to align with his vision for infrastructure development.
The Gombe government has approved N1.149 billion for the installation of solar street lights and other infrastructure in three local government areas of the state.
Mahmood Yusuf, director-general, Joint Project Development Agency, stated this at a news conference on Thursday in Gombe.
He said the Joint Project Council (JPC) meeting chaired by Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, approved the projects to align with his vision for infrastructure development.
Mr Yusuf listed the projects to include the installation of solar street lights on newly constructed roads in Kumo at the total cost of N740 million; fencing of the NALDA market and installation of solar street lights at Kwadon area of Yamaltu/Deba, costing N362 million.
He said that N47 million has been approved for the expansion of the grains market and construction of six public toilets in Billiri.
Mr Yusuf said that the N112 million grain market project was approved in 2024, but reviewed upward to N159 million, to provide six additional toilets.
The director said the council also approved the deployment of GOSTEC and Operation Hatara personnel, to scale surveillance in schools and cemeteries in the state.
He said the measure was sequel to complaints over spate of theft in public buildings by the ALGON Chairman, Sani Haruna.
“The council has resolved to implement stricter security measures by deploying GOSTEC and Operation Hattara to enhance surveillance. The scope of Operation Hattara would be expanded to cover all the 11 LGAs,” he said.
Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya
Also, Fatima-Binta Bello, chairperson, Shongom Local Government Council, expressed readiness to consolidate on Mr Yahaya’s achievements in education and health sectors.
She stressed the need to strengthen human resources through recruitment of qualified personnel to address manpower gaps and enhance quality service delivery, especially at primary healthcare and basic education level.
Similarly; Ahmad Wali, chairman, Kwami LGC, said the council had initiated resurvey and remapping of grazing reserves and cattle routes to check farmer/herder clashes.
He warned that anyone found encroaching cattle routes and grazing lands would be sanctioned.
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