The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) entered into partnership with a Chinese firm to establish Nigeria’s first insulin production plant.
Insulin is a key requirement in the treatment and management of diabetes.
The move marks a major step toward Nigeria’s medical self-sufficiency which is expected to save billions of naira in foreign exchange.
Mrs Toyin Omozuwa, Press Secretary to the Director-General of the NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
She said the NBRDA signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company Ltd, on Wednesday in Abuja to establish Nigeria’s first sustainable insulin manufacturing facility.
She said the Mustapha signed on behalf of the Federal Government, while Mr Bokai Zhai, General Manager of Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company Ltd signed on behalf of the firm.
According to her, Mr Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, witnessed the event saying that for decades, diabetic patients have depended on imported insulin, often at high cost and with limited availability.
Nnaji said that with the agreement Nigeria would step into an era of improvement in its health security, job creation, and industrial innovation.
He added that beyond saving the nation up to one billion dollars in imports every year, the initiative offered a ray of hope to Nigerian families affected by diabetes.
Mustapha also underscored the agreement as a turning point for the health sector and for biotechnology advancement in Nigeria.
“This is a transformative opportunity, and for the first time, Nigeria will have standardised, locally produced insulin, ensuring affordability and quality not only for our citizens but eventually for Africa.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter in our biotechnology journey, where research is converted into real solutions for Nigerians,” Mustapha stated in the statement.
Meanwhile, Zhai, said the company was committed to the project because of its potential human and economic impact.
“This cooperation will reduce reliance on imported insulin, ensure accessibility and affordability for Nigerian families, and promote the growth of the local pharmaceutical industry through technology transfer, job creation, and capacity building,” he said.
As the first insulin plant in Nigeria and among the few in Africa, the facility will enhance healthcare delivery, support industrial growth, and reduce pressure on foreign exchange.
It also positions Nigeria to lead in biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation across the continent.
