The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has raised concerns over the impact of the ongoing mass migration of healthcare workers—commonly referred to as the ‘Japa’ syndrome—on the availability of oncologists treating cancer patients in Nigeria,Daily Trust reports.
Speaking at a press briefing to mark World Cancer Day, NCS President, Prof. Abidemi Emmanuel Omonisi, highlighted how poor remuneration, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, low living standards, and insufficient healthcare funding have driven the exodus of radiation and clinical oncologists, pathologists, oncology nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
Citing data from the Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria (ARCON), a corporate member of the NCS, Prof. Omonisi noted that while the ideal ratio of radiation and clinical oncologists to cancer patients should be 1:250–500, Nigeria currently has a staggering ratio of 1:1,800.
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“This has led to increasingly long queues in our oncology clinics across the country,” he stated. “I appeal to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to urgently address the factors driving the mass emigration of skilled healthcare workers.”
Prof. Omonisi also expressed concern over the rising incidence of neglected cancers in Nigeria, including colorectal cancer, childhood cancers, ovarian cancer, and hematological cancers. He noted that while the government has primarily focused on prostate, breast, and cervical cancers, it is crucial to broaden its approach. He urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to give equal attention to these overlooked cancers.
Additionally, he called on the National Assembly to allocate ₦25 billion for the transition of the National Cancer Health program into a Catastrophic Health Insurance Fund. He further appealed for additional funding to close the ₦97.2 billion gap in the National Oncology Initiative.
Prof. Omonisi also announced the establishment of NCS chapters in all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He emphasized that the 2025 commemoration of World Cancer Day was historic, as it marked the official launch of the Youth Coalition Against Cancer (YOCAC), the youth arm of the Nigerian Cancer Society.
Speaking on cervical cancer, Chinelo Okonkwo, Program Manager at Girl Effect Nigeria, stressed the urgency of tackling the disease. She highlighted human papillomavirus (HPV) as a major public health concern and emphasized the importance of increasing vaccination rates to prevent cervical and other HPV-related cancers.
