The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has signed an agreement with Chinese firm, Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company Ltd., to establish Nigeria’s first insulin manufacturing facility.
Insulin is essential for the treatment and management of diabetes, a condition affecting millions of Nigerians. The partnership marks a significant step towards achieving medical self-sufficiency and is expected to save the country billions of naira in foreign exchange.
NBRDA has signed a pact with Shanghai Haiqi to build Nigeria’s first insulin factory.
Millions of Nigerians living with diabetes will soon access affordable, locally produced insulin. pic.twitter.com/hv2d5rDVjF
— NBRDA NIGERIA (@nabdanig) September 11, 2025
In a statement released in Abuja on Thursday, the Press Secretary to the Director-General of NBRDA, Mrs. Toyin Omozuwa, confirmed that a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed on Wednesday. The agreement was signed by NBRDA Director-General, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, on behalf of the Federal Government, and Mr. Bokai Zhai, General Manager of Shanghai Haiqi, on behalf of the Chinese firm.
The signing was witnessed by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji, who highlighted the importance of the deal.
“For decades, diabetic patients in Nigeria have relied on imported insulin often expensive and in short supply,” Nnaji said. “This agreement marks a shift toward improved health security, job creation, and industrial innovation.”
He added that the initiative could save the nation up to one billion dollars annually in insulin import costs and offer renewed hope for families living with diabetes.
Prof. Mustapha described the agreement as a milestone for both the health sector and Nigeria’s biotechnology development.
“This is a transformative opportunity,” he said. “For the first time, Nigeria will have standardised, locally produced insulin ensuring both affordability and quality, not only for Nigerians but eventually for the African continent.”
“It marks the beginning of a new chapter in our biotechnology journey, where research translates into real, life-saving solutions,” he added.
On his part, Mr. Zhai said the project demonstrates the firm’s commitment to both human and economic impact.
“This partnership will reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported insulin, improve access and affordability, and drive local pharmaceutical growth through technology transfer, job creation, and capacity development,” he said.
As Nigeria’s first insulin plant and one of the few on the African continent the facility is expected to significantly strengthen healthcare delivery, support industrial growth, and reduce pressure on foreign reserves. It also positions Nigeria as a leader in biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation in Africa.
