Abuja: The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has signed a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company Ltd. China, to establish Nigeria’s first local insulin production facility. The agreement marks a significant step towards addressing the country’s insulin production needs and reducing reliance on imports.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Robert Ngwu, Senior Special Adviser to the minister, disclosed in a statement that the agreement is the first of its kind in Nigeria, and possibly in Africa. It signifies a bold step toward affordable healthcare, industrialisation, and national health security. Signed under the leadership of Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, and facilitated through the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), the agreement will enable the domestic manufacturing of insulin for Nigeria’s population and the wider African market.
For decades, Nigerians living with diabetes have relied entirely on imported insulin, facing high costs, shortages, and limited access. With this agreement, Nigeria is set to end its full dependence on imports and position itself as a regional hub for medical biotechnology. The key benefits of the project, as outlined in the statement, include affordable healthcare, health security, job creation, and regional leadership in insulin production.
The statement quoted Nnaji as describing the project as a promise of renewed hope to every Nigerian family affected by diabetes and a bold step toward a healthier, stronger, and more innovative Nigeria. The initiative aligns fully with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises healthcare, innovation, industrialisation, and self-reliance as key drivers of national transformation. Furthermore, the partnership reflects the strong and enduring ties between Nigeria and China, showcasing how global cooperation can deliver impactful solutions for humanity.
Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company Ltd. is a China-based multinational specialising in biotechnology, industrial equipment manufacturing, and healthcare innovation, with a strong record of international collaboration.