China has made an announcement of plans to set up Africa’s First Insulin Plant in Nigeria. This is a move that is expected to transform diabetes care and cut reliance on imported treatments. This information was revealed by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, on Wednesday in Abuja during a reception marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Additionally, the ambassador said that Chinese companies were already engaging in talks with Nigerian counterparts on the project. This project will be a milestone in medical biotechnology for the continent.
Significance of Africa’s First Insulin Plant
“This facility will end Nigeria’s dependence on imported insulin. Additionally, it will position the country as a hub for African medical biotechnology,” Yu said.
Also, he added that the initiative is part of broader cooperation between Nigeria and China. Furthermore, he cited the recently completed Abuja Water Supply Project, which now delivers clean water to nearly three million people.
China-Nigeria Cooperation
Yu also pointed out stories of China-Nigeria collaboration. These stories included the one for Issah Fatimah Abiola. She is the first Nigerian female train driver trained by CCECC, who recently won China’s “Friendship Envoy Award,” and Ibrahim Ismail, a Kano schoolboy celebrated for his fluency in Mandarin.
Yu praised Nigeria’s decision to introduce the Chinese language into its senior secondary school curriculum. He called this move “an important bridge for deepening friendship.”
Representing President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, commended China’s transformation journey and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties. These ties are being strengthened in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, and technology.
“We are committed to making sure these partnerships remain transparent, sustainable, and impactful for future generations,” he stated.
The insulin facility project once completed will significantly improve access to affordable insulin. Eventually, it will help millions of Nigerians living with diabetes while advancing Africa’s capacity for local pharmaceutical production.
African nations are gearing up in upgrading health infrastructure. Also, in a recent major project, Uganda Heart Institute Hospital broke ground in the East African nation in a push for cardiovascular care. These projects showcase Africa’s commitment to provide advanced healthcare and cut medical services reliance from western countries.
Factsheet
Project goal: To establish Nigeria’s, and potentially Africa’s, first local facility for the production of insulin, thereby reducing dependence on imports and improving access to affordable diabetes treatment.
Key partners:
- Nigerian Government: Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, through the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA).
- International partner: Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company Limited (China-based multinational specializing in biotechnology and industrial equipment).
Significance:
- Healthcare Security: Aims to end Nigeria’s full reliance on imported insulin, safeguarding against international shortages and price shocks.
- Affordability: Expected to reduce the cost and increase the availability of insulin for millions of Nigerians and the wider African market.
- Economic Impact: Expected to create skilled biotech jobs, develop technical expertise, and position Nigeria as a regional hub for medical biotechnology.
