China has announced plans to establish Africa’s first insulin production plant in Nigeria, a project expected to revolutionize diabetes care and reduce the continent’s reliance on imported drugs.
The disclosure came from the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, on Wednesday during a reception in Abuja marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Yu explained that Chinese companies are already in talks with Nigerian authorities to kick-start the project.
The facility, once operational, will provide locally produced insulin to millions of Nigerians living with diabetes and position the country as a hub for medical biotechnology in Africa.
“This will transform blood glucose management, prevent diabetes-related complications, and end Nigeria’s dependence on imported insulin,” Yu said.
He added that the initiative forms part of the tangible results of China–Nigeria cooperation, similar to the Abuja Water Supply Project, which now delivers 480,000 cubic metres of clean water daily to nearly three million residents.
The envoy highlighted China’s consistent role in Africa’s development, stressing a partnership built on equality and practical collaboration.
He noted the symbolic connection between both nations as they mark their national days on October 1, calling it “a shared national memory that binds our peoples together.”
Yu also celebrated personal stories that reflect deepening ties.
He cited Issah Fatimah Abiola, Nigeria’s first female train driver trained by CCECC, who recently received China’s Friendship Envoy Award.
He also praised Ibrahim Ismail, a schoolboy from Kano, for his fluency in Mandarin, describing him as “a shining symbol of cultural exchange.”
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, represented by Senator Babangida Hussaini, conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill to China and applauded its contributions to Nigeria’s growth.
He affirmed that Nigeria remains committed to strengthening cooperation with China in key sectors including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, defence, education, and trade.
“As legislators, we will continue to provide enabling policies and oversight to ensure that these partnerships remain transparent, sustainable, and impactful for future generations,” Jibrin said.
If completed, the insulin plant will mark a historic milestone in Africa’s health sector.
It will not only cut costs for patients but also encourage local pharmaceutical innovation and reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves used to import medicines.
With diabetes cases on the rise across Africa, Nigeria’s role as host to the continent’s first insulin plant could reshape access to affordable treatment for millions.