Diabetes: Nigeria to begin insulin production

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has announced that Nigeria is set to begin local production of insulin to reduce dependence on costly imports. Speaking in Abuja at the signing of an agreement on Sustainable Insulin Production between the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABRDA) and Shanghai Haiqi Industrial […]

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has announced that Nigeria is set to begin local production of insulin to reduce dependence on costly imports.

Speaking in Abuja at the signing of an agreement on Sustainable Insulin Production between the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABRDA) and Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company Limited of China, Nnaji said the move will ease access for millions of Nigerians living with diabetes.

“For decades, our diabetic citizens have relied on imported insulin, often at high costs and limited availability. With this project, they will soon access insulin locally at lower costs,” he said.

He added that localising insulin production will not only address a critical health need but also create jobs, build technical expertise, and position Nigeria as a regional hub for biotechnology in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

• Nigeria to review digital public infrastructure, data exchange
• BUA Foods to expand capacity, pays N13 dividend

The minister described the agreement as proof of Nigeria’s determination to convert research into production while strengthening cooperation with international partners.

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, NABRDA’s Director-General, said the initiative reflects Nigeria’s growing capacity for high-impact biotechnology research focused on healthcare solutions.

Shanghai Haiqi’s General Manager, Bokai Shai, said the collaboration would boost insulin production and support the growth of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry.