China to build Africa’s first insulin plant in Nigeria

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has announced his country’s plans to build Africa’s first local insulin production facility in Nigeria. Yu disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a reception marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. He said that this would transform blood glucose level management, […]

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has announced his country’s plans to build Africa’s first local insulin production facility in Nigeria.

Yu disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a reception marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

He said that this would transform blood glucose level management, prevent diabetes-related complications, and end the country’s reliance on imported insulin.

“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.

“This project is part of the tangible benefits of China-Nigeria cooperation, alongside the recently completed Abuja Water Supply Project, with a daily capacity of 480 cubic metres, which now provides clean water to nearly three million people,” he said.

Yu said China stands ready to deepen cooperation with Nigeria across various sectors, adding that, “We will align our policy with Nigeria’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda and eight priority areas, so as to promote more cooperative projects and advance China-Nigeria relations to new heights.” He recalled that over the year, cooperation between the two had brought tangible benefits to the Nigerian people. “The Lekki Deep Sea Port has become a new ‘national gateway’ for Nigeria’s global trade. It is expected to generate $360 billion in economic benefits and create 170,000 jobs over the next 45 years. The Abuja Water Supply Project was completed in June. With a daily capacity of 480,000 cubic meters, it will meet the clean water needs of nearly 3 million people,” the envoy noted.

Speaking at the event, Sen. Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate, conveyed greetings from President Bola Tinubu to China and praised their transformation journey and contribution to strengthening relationships between the two countries.

Jibrin, represented by Sen. Babangida Hussaini, stressed Nigeria’s resolve to strengthen cooperation with China in critical sectors.

“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.

“As legislators in Nigeria, we are committed to providing the enabling environment, legal frameworks, and oversight mechanisms to ensure that these partnerships remain transparent, sustainable, and impactful for the benefit of future generations,” he said