On World Cancer Day 2026, the public interest group, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), urged the Nigerian government to tackle the country’s rising cancer burden by addressing gaps in the nation’s food system.
According to CAPPA, cancer is no longer a distant threat in Nigeria. In fact, the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment reports over 120,000 new cases and 72,000 deaths annually. While genetics and the environment play a role, the organisation said unhealthy diets and poor food production are driving increases in colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers.
“Nigeria cannot treat its way out of the cancer crisis,” CAPPA said. Instead, it called for prevention-focused policies. These should target tobacco, alcohol, ultra-processed foods, sugar-sweetened drinks, and excessive salt.
In particular, CAPPA recommended stronger enforcement of the National Tobacco Control Act, higher taxes on tobacco and unhealthy products, mandatory salt limits in processed foods, increased taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, restrictions on marketing unhealthy foods to children, and clear nutrition standards for schools, hospitals, and other public institutions.
Food System Failures
CAPPA noted that Nigeria’s broken food system contributes significantly to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer. Therefore, it urged governments to strengthen healthy food policies and protect consumers from harmful products.
Healthcare System Under Strain
The organisation also highlighted the stress on Nigeria’s health sector, which has just 40,000 doctors for over 200 million people. CAPPA stressed that prevention, early detection, and effective health financing could save thousands of lives each year.
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Finally, CAPPA called on the government to make cancer control a national development priority, combining prevention with early detection and sustainable health financing.
“Prevention-focused policies offer the most cost-effective gains. Combined with early detection and health financing, they can save thousands of lives every year,” the group concluded.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
