Nigeria is set to commence domestic production of insulin following a new partnership aimed at cutting down the country’s dependence on imported drugs and improving access to diabetes treatment.
Cleveland Clinic described insulin as an essential hormone. It helps the patient’s body turn food into energy and manages your blood sugar levels.
The move follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) and Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company Limited of China.
The agreement, endorsed in Abuja, is regarded by officials as a major breakthrough for the nation’s health and science sectors.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, described the project as the first of its kind in Nigeria and possibly across Africa.
He noted that for years, Nigerians living with diabetes had grappled with high costs and erratic supply of imported insulin.
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According to him, local manufacturing will not only make the drug more accessible but also strengthen Nigeria’s standing in the biotechnology space.
“This cooperation will ensure a stable supply of insulin in Nigeria, promote development of the country’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity through technology transfer and local production, create more jobs, and contribute to economic growth,” Nnaji stated.
From the investor’s side, General Manager of Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company, Bokai Shai, assured that the collaboration would boost Nigeria’s health independence while fostering technology transfer and job creation.
He stressed that a steady supply of insulin would be guaranteed under the new arrangement.
Echoing the same optimism, Director-General of NBRDA, Prof. Mustapha Abdullahi, highlighted that the deal would resolve persistent challenges in the insulin market.
He added that the initiative aligns with government efforts to localise the production of essential medicines and position Nigeria as a pharmaceutical hub in Africa.
Officials believe the project will ease the burden on patients, reduce costs, and generate technical expertise to drive long-term growth in the medical biotechnology industry.
