The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has inaugurated a National Committee tasked with drafting unified guidelines for the operation of cancer organisation-led support groups in Nigeria and reviewing the draft constitution of the Nigerian Coalition for Cancer Survivors (NCCS).
The inauguration ceremony, held on Friday, September 19, 2025, was presided over by the President and CEO of the NCS, Professor Abidemi Omonisi.
In a statement issued by the NCS National Director of Publicity, Bashir Mohammed, Prof. Omonisi described the inauguration as a significant step towards strengthening survivorship programmes across the country. He commended civil society organisations (CSOs) operating support groups for their impactful work in supporting cancer survivors.
“I have visited several support groups run by our member organisations and must commend them for the services they provide—monthly meetings, food support, financial assistance, and emotional care. However, there’s currently no unified operational framework. We must establish a structure to protect the rights and welfare of cancer survivors,” Prof. Omonisi stated.
He expressed concern about unethical practices such as the unregulated recruitment of survivors into research and clinical trials, warning that the absence of national guidelines could lead to exploitation. He emphasized that the committee’s mandate includes developing standardised operational guidelines for CSO-led support groups and reviewing the zero draft of the NCCS Constitution. A three-month deadline has been set for the completion of this assignment.
The committee is chaired by Her Excellency Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, a 28-year cancer survivor and former First Lady of Ondo State. Other members include: Prof. Babayo Usman – Vice Chairperson, Mariam Atswandeh – Secretary, Princess Tinu Lawal – Member and Prof. Ronald Bejide – Chairman, NCCS. Several other distinguished experts, advocates, and survivors are also part of the committee.
In her remarks, Dr. Akeredolu described the inauguration as a long-awaited and significant milestone for cancer survivors in Nigeria. She highlighted the need for unified guidelines to replace the fragmented approaches that have long plagued survivorship programmes in the country.
“As survivors, we understand where the shoe pinches. This committee, composed mostly of survivors, is uniquely positioned to advocate for stronger support systems and a more coordinated national response,” she said.
Dr. Akeredolu commended Prof. Omonisi for his visionary leadership and pledged that the committee would approach its assignment with dedication and a sense of responsibility. “For too long, survivorship programmes have operated in silos. A national framework will reduce the ‘anyhowness’ and bring order to the system,” she added.
Dr. Usman Waziri, representing the Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), commended the NCS and pledged NICRAT’s support for improved screening and survivor care.
Dr. Kehinde Ololade, Senior Technical Adviser to the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, represented the Minister as Special Guest of Honour. He praised Prof. Omonisi’s leadership and Dr. Akeredolu’s longstanding advocacy, reaffirming the government’s commitment to reducing the cancer burden in Nigeria.
Dr. Ololade further announced that the final draft of the guidelines would be submitted to the Federal Ministry of Health for official adoption.
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