The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, has called for greater involvement of oncology nurses in healthcare policy and the delivery of cancer services across Nigeria.
Salako made the call in Abuja at the opening of the maiden National Scientific Conference of the Oncology Nurses Association of Nigeria (ONAN), themed, “Advancing Excellence in Oncology Nursing Practice Across the Cancer Care Continuum.”
Represented by the National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control and Nuclear Medicine Programme, Dr Uchechukwu Nwokwu, the minister said cancer care required close cooperation among different healthcare professionals.
He noted that nurses occupy strategic positions across Nigeria’s primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities, making their participation essential to cancer prevention, screening, early detection and treatment.
According to him, nurses should have a stronger voice in the formulation and implementation of health policies rather than being left outside key decision-making processes.
Salako also assured oncology nurses that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare was committed to improving their skills, professional standing and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
The President of ONAN, Siraju Marafa, an oncology nurse with Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, said the conference provided an important platform for strengthening oncology nursing practice in the country.
Represented by the association’s Vice President, Joyce Asufi, Marafa said oncology nurses remained closely involved with patients throughout their treatment journey, including during chemotherapy, symptom management, palliative care and end-of-life support.
He identified specialist training, early cancer detection, access to treatment and workplace safety as some of the major challenges confronting oncology nurses.
Marafa particularly urged the government to improve safety measures for nurses who handle cytotoxic drugs and work around radiation, noting that inadequate protective equipment and safety systems could expose them to health risks.
He also called for more opportunities for specialist oncology training within Nigeria and abroad, alongside incentives to encourage more nurses to pursue the field.
Meanwhile, the President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, raised concerns over the shortage of qualified oncology nurses in many Nigerian hospitals.
Omonisi encouraged nurses and nursing students to consider oncology as a specialised career and take advantage of available training and mentorship opportunities.
He stressed that cancer care required a multidisciplinary approach, with healthcare professionals working together to address the complex needs of patients.
A 25-year-old colon cancer survivor, Yemisi Daodu, also highlighted the important role oncology nurses can play in helping patients remain confident throughout treatment.
She urged Nigerians to seek medical attention when they notice worrying symptoms, stressing that early detection and timely treatment could improve outcomes.
The conference brought together oncology nurses, cancer specialists, policymakers, survivors and other stakeholders to examine ways of strengthening cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care in Nigeria.
