Partnership builds on ICC's existing Abuja site, moving the organisation closer to its founder's vision of accessible cancer care for all Nigerians
In 2009, our founder, H.E. Hajiya Turai Yar'Adua, wife of the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, established the International Cancer Centre with a bold vision: a Nigeria where no one would have to travel abroad — or go without care altogether — to survive a cancer diagnosis.
Seventeen years later, we are proud to share a significant step forward in that mission. This week, the International Cancer Centre Abuja (ICCA) and Innova Healthcare Nigeria Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a comprehensive oncology centre at our existing site on Airport Road, Abuja.
Building on What We've Already Built
Rather than starting a new facility from the ground up, this partnership will expand and strengthen the site we already operate. It's a deliberate choice, and one that reflects how we think about growth: build on what's already here, and move faster because of it.
"When our founder first envisioned this centre, she dreamed of a Nigeria where no one would have to travel abroad, or go without care altogether, to survive a cancer diagnosis. This partnership with Innova brings us a meaningful step closer to that dream, not by starting from scratch, but by building on the foundation she laid." — Shehu Yar'Adua, Director-General, ICC
Once complete, the expanded centre is designed to bring radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgical oncology, diagnostics, laboratory services, and palliative care together under one roof — so patients and families can access comprehensive treatment in a single place, without having to navigate multiple facilities during an already difficult time.
Why This Partnership Matters
Nigeria's cancer burden continues to grow, but access to radiotherapy and specialist oncology services remains limited relative to the size of our population. For too many patients, that gap has meant delayed diagnoses, incomplete treatment, or costly travel abroad for care that should be available at home.
Innova Healthcare shares our belief that expanding access must go hand in hand with keeping care within reach financially.
"Our intention is to work with facilities like ICCA to ensure cancer care is not just available, but affordable. Before we reached the point of signing this MOU, we were motivated by the values and commitment ICCA's founder brought to ensuring cancer care is available even to the most vulnerable populations in our country." — Francis Shokoya, Managing Director, Innova Healthcare Nigeria Limited
What Comes Next
Beyond investment in equipment and infrastructure, this collaboration will also include training and capacity-building for our Nigerian clinical and technical staff — because delivering world-class care depends as much on skilled people as it does on modern tools.
This MOU is more than a milestone for ICCA. It's a continuation of a promise made: that quality cancer care shouldn't depend on where you live or how far you can afford to travel. Together with Innova Healthcare, we're working to keep that promise.
Want to learn more about ICCA or support our mission? Contact us or visit our About page to find out how you can get involved.