Nigeria moves to local insulin production in landmark China partnership

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company Limited of China to begin local production of insulin in Nigeria, a move expected to reduce dependence on imports, cut treatment costs, and boost the pharmaceutical industry.

Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, said the agreement—executed through the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABRDA)—marks a decisive shift toward building domestic capacity for life-saving drug production.

For decades, millions of Nigerians living with diabetes have relied on expensive imported insulin, often plagued by shortages.

“By localizing insulin production, we are addressing a critical health need while creating jobs, building technical expertise, and positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for medical biotechnology,” Nnaji said.

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He added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises economic diversification and healthcare innovation.

Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General of NABRDA, described the project as a model for converting research into practical, homegrown solutions that directly meet national needs.

“This collaboration reflects Nigeria’s growing capacity to participate in high-impact biotechnology research and development,” he said.

Bokai Shai, General Manager of Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company, noted that the partnership is designed not only to scale insulin production in Nigeria but also to strengthen the broader pharmaceutical ecosystem in the country.

Industry analysts say the deal could open a new chapter for Nigeria’s biotech sector, potentially attracting more investment into local drug manufacturing while easing the financial burden on patients battling diabetes.