Tinubu’s health reforms credited for cancer care expansion, says Minister

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has credited President Bola Tinubu’s administration with a major turnaround in Nigeria’s cancer care system, claiming that treatment for the disease is now effectively available within the country.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, on Thursday, Idris said the achievements were part of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has focused on revamping key sectors, including health.

According to the minister, six advanced cancer treatment centres have been established one in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. He said these facilities are equipped with modern machines and staffed by qualified experts, adding that one of the centres is located in Enugu.

Idris maintained that Nigerians who continue to travel abroad for cancer care now do so by choice, not because of a lack of medical capacity at home. He argued that the current administration has “appointed the right people to revamp the health sector,” and that the results are beginning to show.

He also revealed that the visit to Enugu was part of a broader mission by the Federal Government’s information team to monitor and report the progress made under Tinubu’s leadership across the country.

While in Enugu, the minister praised Governor Mbah’s development initiatives and described the state as the “heart of the South-East.” He claimed that Tinubu’s performance so far could be mistaken for that of a second-term president, citing the pace and scale of reforms.

In addition to healthcare, Idris pointed to improvements in national security, attributing them to better synergy among security agencies. He said there has been a “noticeable improvement” in the country’s security landscape under the current administration.

Despite the positive tone, Idris acknowledged that challenges remain. He assured Nigerians that Tinubu is committed to addressing these issues with “determination,” and that the work of rebuilding the country is ongoing.

However, the minister’s claims come amid concerns about the actual reach and functionality of the newly established cancer centres. While the government touts these investments as transformative, independent assessments of the facilities are scarce, and questions persist over whether they are fully operational or accessible to the average Nigerian.

Health experts have also raised long-standing concerns about staff shortages, infrastructure maintenance, and unequal access issues that continue to plague the public health system.

As the Federal Government promotes its successes, many observers argue that true progress will depend on more than physical infrastructure. They emphasize the need for transparent funding, policy consistency, and genuine equity in healthcare delivery.