Major Boost for Cancer Treatment in Federal Capital
The National Hospital in Abuja has received a significant financial injection of $300,000 from the NNPC/Renaissance Joint Venture to sustain critical cancer treatment services for patients in the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding states.
This substantial donation, announced on November 27, 2025, will specifically support the maintenance of the hospital's Linear Accelerator (LINAC) Radiotherapy Machine, which was originally donated by the same joint venture back in 2019.
Transforming Cancer Care Delivery
During the presentation ceremony held at the office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Oluwaseyi Omotowa, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, revealed the remarkable impact the machine has already made.
The LINAC machine has successfully treated more than 2,000 cancer patients since its installation, while dramatically reducing therapy times from 12 minutes to just 2 minutes per session.
Perhaps most importantly, 712 indigent patients have received subsidized care ranging from 25% to 100% support, making life-saving treatment accessible to those who could not otherwise afford it.
"The sustainability of such advanced medical technology hinges on regular maintenance, which presents a critical challenge due to funding constraints," Omotowa stated, emphasizing that the new funding would ensure timely maintenance, minimize equipment downtime, maintain precise calibration, and guarantee compliance with international medical standards.
Government and Hospital Leadership Applaud Initiative
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, described the corporate intervention as a model partnership that aligns perfectly with federal government efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across Nigeria.
"This aligns perfectly with the broader efforts to revamp critical infrastructure aimed at improving the quality of healthcare for our people," Minister Pate affirmed during the ceremony.
From the hospital's perspective, Dr. Muhammad Raji Mahmud, the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, highlighted how the contribution has significantly strengthened local capacity for comprehensive cancer treatment while reducing Nigeria's reliance on medical tourism.
"We treat thousands of patients annually, and this support has been profound. It is a lifeline of hope for those who depend on our services," Dr. Mahmud emotionally stated.
Strategic Investment in National Health Systems
Tony Attah, Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, positioned the funding as a strategic long-term investment in Nigeria's health systems rather than mere charity.
"This is a strategic investment in the resilience of our health systems and the well-being of Nigerians. When people are healthy, they can contribute meaningfully to society," Attah explained, underscoring the broader socioeconomic benefits of maintaining functional healthcare infrastructure.
With cancer remaining a leading cause of death in Nigeria and limited radiotherapy equipment available nationwide, the NNPC/Renaissance LINAC machine represents one of the few operational units in the country. This latest donation is expected to sustain uninterrupted treatment cycles for cancer patients in Abuja and neighboring states for the foreseeable future.
