The Federal Government, in collaboration with leading global health partners, has launched the Innovative Cancer Medicine, ICM, Demonstration Study, a groundbreaking programme designed to provide free, advanced immunotherapy for Nigerians battling metastatic colorectal cancer.
The initiative, officially unveiled on Tuesday at the National Hospital, Abuja, marks the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa and will give 30 patients access to world-class treatment, diagnostics, and follow-up care—all at no cost.
The project is a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Roche.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, said the programme reflects President Bola Tinubu’s vision to transform cancer care and reduce the burden of medical tourism.
“Today’s milestone represents hope—hope that patients in low- and middle-income countries no longer wait decades to benefit from life-saving innovations,” he said.
Salako revealed that Nigeria records over 124,000 new cancer cases annually, with colorectal cancer among the most rapidly increasing.
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He noted that the 2025 federal budget includes the highest-ever allocation for cancer infrastructure, and three of six planned regional cancer centres have already been commissioned.
Prof. Bello Abubakar, the study’s principal investigator, described the programme as a turning point in Africa’s cancer response.
He clarified that the ICM is not a clinical trial but a demonstration of feasibility, as the medicine—already globally approved—will be offered free under strict safety protocols.
Funded by international partners at a value of ₦7 billion, the programme will assess the outcomes of immunotherapy use in Nigerian patients while helping local hospitals advance diagnostic capacity, including the Roche Ventana platform for microsatellite instability testing.
CHAI Country Director, Dr Funke Fasawe, said the launch shows that “advanced cancer treatment can now be delivered locally,” noting that every aspect of the programme—from drugs to transport—is fully covered.
Meanwhile, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, president of the Nigerian Cancer Society, raised alarm over rising cases of colorectal cancer among young Nigerians, urging early screening and awareness campaigns.
The ICM programme is open to eligible adults nationwide, with enrollment and assessment ongoing at the National Hospital, Abuja.
