China has announced plans to establish Africa’s first local insulin production facility in Nigeria, a move expected to transform diabetes care and reduce reliance on imported treatments.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a reception marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
He said Chinese companies were already in talks with Nigerian counterparts on the project, which he described as a milestone in medical biotechnology for the continent.
“This will not only end Nigeria’s dependence on imported insulin but also position the country as a hub for African medical biotechnology,” Yu said.
He added that the initiative forms part of broader cooperation between both nations, citing the recently completed Abuja Water Supply Project, which now delivers clean water to nearly three million people.
Yu also highlighted stories of China-Nigeria collaboration, including Issah Fatimah Abiola, 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.
He praised Nigeria’s decision to introduce the Chinese language into its senior secondary school curriculum, calling it “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 in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, and technology.
“We are committed to ensuring these partnerships remain transparent, sustainable, and impactful for future generations,” he said.
The project, once completed, is expected to significantly improve access to affordable insulin, helping millions of Nigerians living with diabetes while advancing Africa’s capacity for local pharmaceutical production.
