The federal government has announced plans to establish liver transplant centres in two Federal Tertiary Health Institutions, in partnership with the globally renowned Mayo Clinic.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, revealed the development via his official X handle following a strategic visit to the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Rochester, Minnesota, United States.
According to Salako, the initiative is part of a broader collaboration with the Mayo Clinic to enhance Nigeria’s capacity for advanced medical care, including liver transplants, cancer research, and precision medicine. 
The partnership, he said, would not only boost Nigeria’s transplant infrastructure but also position the country as a regional leader in high-end medical services.
“We are working towards strengthening our partnership on collaborative research, policy development, public health initiatives, capacity building, cancer infrastructure development, clinical trial opportunities and so on. Nigeria is working towards establishing Liver Transplant Centres in at least two of our Federal Tertiary Health Institutions in partnership with the Mayo Clinic,” he said.
During the visit, Salako led a Nigerian delegation to meet with Professor Folakemi Odedina, a Nigerian-American from Ogun State and the Enterprise Deputy Director for Community Outreach and Engagement at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Centre.
The delegation also held a virtual meeting with the Executive Director of the Centre, Cheryl Willman who was unable to attend in person due to a personal bereavement.
“It was an opportunity to explore areas of partnership and collaboration between the Mayo Clinic Cancer Programme and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment to advance shared goals in cancer research, precision medicine, and health equity for Nigerians and the global Black community. It was also an opportunity for a guided tour of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester,” Salako said.
He emphasised that the discussions focused on strengthening ties in collaborative research, policy development, public health initiatives, capacity building, cancer infrastructure development, and clinical trial opportunities, all aimed at improving health equity for Nigerians and the global Black community.
