Nigeria is set to make medical history as China has announced plans to establish Africa’s first local insulin production facility in the country.
The disclosure was made by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, during a reception in Abuja on Wednesday, marking the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.
He emphasized that the project will not only transform diabetes care but also position Nigeria as a biotechnology hub for Africa.
“Chinese companies are in talks with Nigeria to build Africa’s first local insulin production facility, potentially ending Nigeria’s reliance on imported insulin and positioning Nigeria as a hub for African medical biotechnology,” Yu said.
The proposed insulin factory is expected to revolutionize how Nigerians manage diabetes by ensuring access to affordable and reliable treatment.
Currently, most insulin is imported, making it expensive and sometimes scarce.
The ambassador noted that the project will reduce complications caused by high blood sugar and improve long-term health outcomes.
Moreover, he linked this initiative to ongoing cooperation between the two countries, citing the Abuja Water Supply Project.
That project, which now delivers clean water to nearly three million residents, reflects what Yu described as
“the tangible benefits of China-Nigeria cooperation.”
Yu also highlighted the broader symbolism of the partnership, noting that both countries share October 1 as their national day.
“Both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day fall on the same day, October 1st.
It is a shared national memory that binds our two peoples together,” he said.
The envoy went further to showcase stories of personal friendship.
He praised Issah Fatimah Abiola, the first Nigerian female train driver trained by CCECC, who recently won China’s “Friendship Envoy Award.”
He also celebrated Ibrahim Ismail, a young boy from Kano fluent in Mandarin, saying, “The first time I watched the video when Ibrahim speaks Mandarin Chinese, I felt totally amazed.”
In response, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, represented by Sen. Babangida Hussaini, conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s greetings and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening ties.
“In recent decades, the relationship between Nigeria and China has blossomed into a comprehensive strategic partnership.
It is a partnership defined not only by the signing of agreements, but also by tangible outcomes in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, defence, trade, and investment,” Jibrin said.
He added that Nigeria’s lawmakers are ready to create enabling laws and oversight to make sure such projects are sustainable and beneficial for future generations.
With diabetes cases rising across Africa, the insulin factory is being hailed as a timely intervention.
Furthermore, it is expected to provide employment opportunities, enhance research capacity, and ensure affordable treatment for millions.
