Background
Cancer remains a growing public health challenge in Nigeria, with increasing incidence and mortality rates exacerbated by limited data and policy impact due to fragmentation and inconsistency of data, the absence of a centralized framework to harmonize registry operations, and limited integration of variables essential for cancer surveillance and research.

Methods
Given the imperative to prioritize evidence-based cancer control, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, through the National Institute of Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), has committed to establishing a National Cancer Registry (NCR) in 2024 to serve as a central system for collecting and storing cancer data crucial for monitoring trends, informing public health strategies, formulating policies and evaluating the effectiveness of cancer control programs in the country. This was followed by the establishment of NCR regulations in collaboration with AFCRN/IARC to provide a legal framework for the enforcement and support of population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) in Nigeria.

Result
There has been an increase in the number of functional cancer registries in Nigeria, with technical support and upgrade of PBCRs supported by NICRAT. Eight cancer registries have been upgraded with laptops, desktops, toners and a functional office space for registry operations. Additionally, more than 60 cancer registrars across the country have been trained on basic cancer registration to gain proficiency in data abstraction, coding, staging and data quality. The NCR has implemented standardized data abstraction forms, a unified coding system for each registry, an upgrade to the CanReg5 dictionary and XML schema to standardize data definitions and facilitate seamless integration from the individual registries to the NCR. Furthermore, the NCR partnered with key stakeholders to adapt the AFCRN Standard Operating Manual for registrars to standardize its operations. All these reforms will, in turn, improve Nigeria’s contribution to global cancer surveillance and reporting, as well as guide policy makers and stakeholders on the formulation of policies and strategies geared to reduce the burden of cancer in Nigeria.

Conclusion
The National Cancer Registry has emerged as a unified, government-operated platform of Nigeria’s cancer control, in line with international standards. Therefore, continuous investment and collaborations in registry infrastructure and capacity-building will strengthen data-driven policies to reduce cancer burden and achieve long-term health equity in Nigeria.