In a bid to reduce cancer-related deaths and improve early detection in Adamawa State, TotalEnergies Upstream Nigeria Limited has inaugurated the state’s first cancer treatment centre in Gerkida, Gombi Local Government Area.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Upstream Nigeria Limited, Mr. Matthieu Bouyer, emphasized that the project was strategically located to maximize the benefit to the local population.
“This mammography centre was established to detect breast and other forms of cancer early, reduce the fatality risk, and address gaps in access to quality healthcare,” Bouyer explained.
The cancer treatment centre is a fully equipped mammography facility, including a 20-person waiting area, a radiologist’s office, a mammography technicians’ bay, changing rooms, a treatment room for image-guided breast lump biopsy, a borehole installation, and a 60KVA power generator.
According to Bouyer, cancer remains a significant health challenge in Nigeria.
“The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment reported that an estimated 78,000 Nigerians died from cancer-related complications in 2020 alone. We are committed to changing that,” he said.
Bouyer expressed confidence that the centre would facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, ultimately saving lives.
He also highlighted TotalEnergies’ broader commitment to improving healthcare and education, providing access to clean water, and empowering women and youth across Nigeria through 84 infrastructure projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The Adamawa State Commissioner of Health, Chief Felix Tangwami, praised TotalEnergies for selecting Adamawa for the project.
He revealed that out of 1,972 people screened for cancer in the state, 165 tested positive, noting that early detection makes treatment more manageable.
Tangwami described the centre as a significant asset for the state and its neighbours, reducing the need for patients to travel to distant cities like Abuja or Lagos for treatment.
The District Head of Gerkida, Chief Simon Ali Tarfa, urged staff and stakeholders to protect the centre for the benefit of cancer patients, stressing the importance of maintaining the facility for long-term use.
Bouyer also acknowledged the support of TotalEnergies’ partners—NNPC, Sapetro, CNOOC, and Prime 130—for providing the resources to make the project a reality.
