NAWE Chair, Badaiki tasks FG to prioritise cancer care

The Chairperson, Nigerian Association of Women Entrepreneurs, Delta State, Amb. Philomena Badaiki has called for strategic investment in cancer care in Nigeria,
Badaiki, expressed concern that cancer remains a devastating health challenge in the country.
She emphasized that Nigeria must prioritize cancer care not only as a health necessity but also as a strategic economic opportunity.
Speaking on Tuesday during the commemoration of the 2025 World Cancer Day, Badaiki, urged the government to integrate cancer care as a strategic priority in its health reform agenda.
She noted that cancer incidence is on the rise in Nigeria, with breast, cervical, and prostate cancers being the most prevalent. She cited data from a State Cancer Registry, which recorded over 3,000 cases within a five-year period, cautioning that the actual figures are likely higher due to underreporting and inadequate diagnostic access.
“In a country with a population exceeding 200 million, thousands of families are devastated by cancer-related deaths each year,” she stated.
Despite the presence of a functional cancer center in the country, Badaiki highlighted several challenges impeding effective cancer care in the country.
These, she said, include acute shortage of skilled oncology specialists, lack of radiotherapy and advanced diagnostic infrastructure, and high treatment costs and limited health insurance coverage, among others.
The NAWE Chairperson emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach involving the government, private sector, and diaspora investors. She urged stakeholders to invest in workforce development, infrastructure expansion, and health policy reforms to improve cancer care.
“The state government, philanthropists, and investors must commit to building a comprehensive cancer care ecosystem. This will not only improve survival rates but also create economic opportunities and position the country as a hub for medical excellence,” she said.
She pointed out the severe shortage of oncologists in the country, revealing that while global standards recommend one oncologist per 250 cancer patients, Nigeria has fewer than 80 specialists for an estimated 120,000 cancer patients. This results in a staggering ratio of one oncologist per 1,600 patients”, Bardaki said.