The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has announced that China plans to establish Africa’s first local insulin production facility in Nigeria.
Yu made the disclosure in Abuja on Wednesday during a reception marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
He explained that the project would revolutionise diabetes management in Nigeria by improving access to insulin, reducing complications, and ending the country’s reliance on imported supplies.
“Chinese companies are in talks with Nigeria to build Africa’s first local insulin production facility, potentially positioning Nigeria as a hub for African medical biotechnology,” Yu said.
He noted that the initiative forms part of the practical benefits of China–Nigeria cooperation, citing the recently completed Abuja Water Supply Project, which delivers clean water to nearly three million residents daily.
Yu also underlined China’s long-standing support for Africa’s development, describing the cooperation model as equal, pragmatic, and efficient. He added that China remains committed to supporting African integration and boosting its capacity for self-driven development.
Reflecting on the symbolism of shared national days, Yu said: “Both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day fall on October 1. It is a shared national memory that binds our two peoples together.”
The envoy highlighted stories of collaboration, including Ms. Issah Fatimah Abiola, the first Nigerian female train driver trained by CCECC, who received China’s “Friendship Envoy Award,” and a young boy from Kano, Ibrahim Ismail, whose fluent Mandarin has drawn admiration. He also welcomed Nigeria’s inclusion of Chinese language in the new senior secondary school curriculum, describing it as “an important bridge for deepening China–Nigeria friendship.”
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, represented by Senator Babangida Hussaini, conveyed greetings from President Bola Tinubu and praised China’s transformation journey. He reaffirmed 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 defined not only by agreements but by tangible outcomes in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, defence, trade, and investment,” Jibrin said.
He added that Nigerian legislators are committed to creating the enabling environment and legal frameworks to ensure such partnerships remain transparent, sustainable, and beneficial for future generations.
