Nigeria, China Sign Historic Agreement To Begin Local Insulin Production

IN a groundbreaking move to advance healthcare and reduce dependence on imported medicines, the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has signed a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with China’s Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company Ltd. to establish Nigeria’s first local insulin manufacturing facility.

The agreement, announced in Abuja on Thursday by Dr. Robert Ngwu, Senior Special Adviser to the Minister, marks a significant stride toward improving access to affordable insulin for millions of Nigerians living with diabetes.

According to Ngwu, the deal is not only a first for Nigeria but could also be the first of its kind on the African continent. It represents a major leap toward affordable healthcare, national health security, and industrial development.

Signed under the leadership of Minister Chief Uche Nnaji, through the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), the agreement will enable large-scale domestic production of insulin for both Nigeria and the broader African market.

“For decades, Nigerians with diabetes have been entirely dependent on imported insulin—often at high cost, with limited availability and frequent shortages,” the statement read. “This agreement changes that. It paves the way for Nigeria to become a regional leader in medical biotechnology.”

Key Benefits of the Insulin Production Deal

The project is expected to deliver multiple long-term benefits:

• Affordable Healthcare: Increased availability of insulin at reduced costs for millions of Nigerians.

• Health Security: Reduced reliance on international suppliers, protecting the country from global supply chain disruptions and price volatility.

• Job Creation & Capacity Building: Development of skilled biotech jobs and enhanced research capacity for Nigerian scientists.

• Regional Leadership: Nigeria will become a pioneer in insulin production across Africa, potentially supplying neighboring countries.

At the signing ceremony, Minister Nnaji described the agreement as “a promise of renewed hope” for Nigerian families affected by diabetes and a major step toward a “healthier, stronger, and more innovative Nigeria.”

He emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which highlights healthcare, industrialisation, innovation, and national self-reliance as key pillars of development.

“The partnership also underscores the strong, strategic relationship between Nigeria and China,” the statement added. “It demonstrates how international cooperation can produce meaningful, life-changing outcomes.”

Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company Ltd. is a leading Chinese multinational with expertise in biotechnology, industrial equipment manufacturing, and healthcare innovation. The company has a proven track record of international partnerships aimed at delivering advanced health solutions.