The International Cancer Centre Abuja (ICCA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore-based Innova Healthcare Nigeria Limited to establish a fully integrated oncology centre at its existing facility on Airport Road, Abuja.

The partnership is expected to expand access to specialised cancer treatment in the Federal Capital Territory by providing radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgical oncology, diagnostic and laboratory services, as well as palliative care at a single facility.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by ICCA’s Communications Manager, Arhyel Shadrach Ayuba, who described the agreement as a major step towards advancing the centre’s founding vision of making quality cancer treatment accessible to Nigerians.

According to ICCA, the project will build on its existing infrastructure rather than require the construction of an entirely new facility.

The organisation’s Director General, Shehu Yar’Adua, said the agreement represented progress towards the vision of ICCA’s founder, Hajiya Turai Yar’Adua, who established the centre in 2009 to reduce the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for cancer treatment.

Yar’Adua said the partnership would strengthen the foundation already established by the centre and move it closer to providing comprehensive cancer care locally.

The Managing Director of Innova Healthcare Nigeria, Francis Shokoya, said the company was committed to working with healthcare institutions to make cancer treatment more accessible and affordable.

He said the decision to partner with ICCA was influenced by the centre’s commitment to extending cancer care to vulnerable Nigerians.

The collaboration will also involve training and capacity development for Nigerian clinical and technical personnel, as well as investment in medical equipment and other infrastructure required for specialised oncology services.

ICCA said the initiative was aimed at helping address gaps in access to cancer treatment, particularly radiotherapy and other specialist services, amid Nigeria’s growing cancer burden.

Innova Healthcare Nigeria Limited is a subsidiary of Singapore-based Innova Bio Medical Pte, which focuses on improving access to cancer treatment and is associated with Linatech, a manufacturer of oncology equipment, including the Venus X radiotherapy machine.

The two organisations said the partnership would support the development of a more comprehensive cancer-care system in Abuja and improve access to modern oncology services for patients.