By Emmanuel Afonne

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.

Dr Robert Ngwu, Senior Special Adviser to the minister disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the agreement was the first of its kind in Nigeria, and possibly in Africa, and marked a bold step toward affordable healthcare, industrialisation, and national health security.

“The agreement was signed under the leadership of Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, through the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA).

“It 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 statement read.

He said key benefits of the project, as outlined in the statement, include:

“Affordable healthcare – Reduced costs and increased availability of insulin for millions of Nigerians.

“Health security – Less reliance on imports, offering protection against international shortages and price shocks.

“Job creation – Development of skilled biotech jobs and capacity building for Nigerian researchers.

“Regional leadership – Nigeria will pioneer insulin production in Africa, meeting both national and continental demand.”

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.

“The partnership also reflects the strong and enduring ties between Nigeria and China, showcasing how global cooperation can deliver impactful solutions for humanity,” the statement added.

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. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru