Bola Ahmed Tinubu claimed on Tuesday in Owerri that Nigeria now has well-equipped hospitals capable of treating critical illnesses such as cancer, insisting that the nation is turning a corner under his administration.
“Today, Nigeria can say confidently we have well-equipped hospitals and we can treat critical illness such as cancer and other illnesses,” Tinubu said.
However, medical experts and advocacy groups have repeatedly highlighted that Nigeria is facing a growing cancer crisis.
Earlier this year, on International Childhood Cancer Day, health authorities raised concerns about rising cancer cases, emphasizing that access to diagnostic tools and effective treatment remains severely limited.
In July 2025, medical experts warned that Nigeria’s true cancer burden is becoming increasingly visible, with approximately 127,000 new cases expected annually, underscoring that adequate treatment for such illnesses remains far from reality.
Despite these challenges, Tinubu maintained that Nigeria is turning a corner and projected a future of prosperity. He emphasized the government’s commitment to caring for the elderly, supporting vulnerable populations, educating children, and improving the healthcare system.
In Kwale, Delta State, the Kwale General Hospital has reportedly operated without electricity for over 20 years, highlighting the ongoing infrastructural decay across the country.
Even newly commissioned hospitals have failed to meet expectations. The Kaduna Millennium City Specialist Hospital, a 300-bed facility inaugurated by Tinubu in June 2025, has been described by residents as deserted and non-operational barely two months after its opening.
Meanwhile, the country’s broader healthcare system continues to struggle. Doctors and nurses have staged multiple strikes this year over poor pay, inadequate resources, and difficult working conditions, leaving hospitals understaffed and medical services disrupted.
According to parallel News, In 2024, the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners reported that several private hospitals closed due to financial hardship, further limiting access to care for patients who can afford private treatment.
However, many Nigerians remain skeptical. Netizens on Instagram criticized the administration for failing to address systemic healthcare issues, pointing to the cancer crisis, ongoing strikes, non-functional hospitals, and economic hardship as evidence that the promises of progress remain largely unfulfilled.
