FEC Approves ₦9.99bn for HIV Drugs, Cancer Treatment Upgrades
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved ₦9.99 billion for the purchase of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines for people living with HIV/AIDS and the improvement of cancer treatment facilities across Nigeria.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, disclosed the approvals on Wednesday after the FEC meeting at the State House in Abuja.
He explained that the decision would address earlier concerns about a possible shortage of antiretroviral drugs in the country.
Salako announced that the contract, valued at ₦9.99 billion, was awarded to Fidson Healthcare for the supply of ARVs under the presidential treatment programme for people living with HIV/AIDS.
The programme provides free medication to millions of Nigerians on life-saving therapy.
According to the minister, awarding the contract to a local pharmaceutical company aligns with the Federal Government’s plan to strengthen the healthcare value chain and encourage domestic production.
Fidson Healthcare partners with the global pharmaceutical brand Hetero and is working toward manufacturing ARV drugs locally.
He noted that government patronage would help build market confidence and generate revenue for local companies, encouraging further investment in production capacity.
FEC also approved a separate proposal for the replacement and upgrade of equipment, as well as training support, in six cancer treatment centres—one in each geopolitical zone. The intervention is intended to sustain radiotherapy services, which are essential for cancer treatment.
Limited radiotherapy equipment has long affected cancer care in Nigeria, forcing many patients to seek expensive treatment abroad. The planned upgrades are expected to improve access to radiotherapy and other critical cancer services nationwide.
Speaking on the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak, Salako said the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control is actively supporting affected states with additional personnel and medical supplies.
He described Lassa fever as a recurring seasonal public health challenge and noted that Nigeria is investing in the development of a vaccine.
The minister urged healthcare workers to strictly observe safety protocols and use protective equipment when handling suspected cases, stressing the importance of maintaining a high level of alertness during the outbreak period.
He also expressed sympathy for health workers who lost their lives while responding to the disease, noting that the government would continue to support frontline personnel.
Lassa fever is endemic in Nigeria and typically occurs during the dry season between November and May.
The disease spreads through contact with materials contaminated by infected rodents or through person-to-person transmission in healthcare settings without proper infection control.
