The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with China’s Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company Ltd to establish Nigeria’s first insulin production plant. This development is expected to reduce the country’s reliance on imported insulin and save billions of naira in foreign exchange annually.
The agreement was formalized in Abuja, with Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of NBRDA, signing on behalf of the Federal Government, and Shanghai Haiqi’s General Manager, Bokai Zhai, signing for the company. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, witnessed the signing of the agreement.
According to Prof. Mustapha, this initiative marks a significant turning point for Nigeria’s health sector and biotechnology development. The establishment of the insulin production plant is a major step towards Nigeria’s medical self-sufficiency, which is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy.
The project is expected to drive industrial innovation, reduce reliance on imports, and offer hope to families affected by diabetes. Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company’s General Manager, Bokai Zhai, emphasized the company’s commitment to transferring technology, building local capacity, and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry.
The insulin production plant will help to address the growing demand for insulin in Nigeria, where millions of people suffer from diabetes. By producing insulin locally, the country can reduce its reliance on imports and save foreign exchange. This development is also expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the pharmaceutical sector.
The partnership between NBRDA and Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company Ltd is a significant step towards Nigeria’s goal of becoming self-sufficient in the production of essential medicines. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s health sector and economy, and will help to improve the lives of millions of people affected by diabetes. With the establishment of the insulin production plant, Nigeria is moving closer to achieving its goal of becoming a major player in the global pharmaceutical industry.