China announced plans to build Africa’s first insulin production plant in Nigeria to boost healthcare.
Ambassador Yu Dunhai said the project will cut imports and transform diabetes treatment nationwide.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has announced that China will establish Africa’s first insulin production facility in Nigeria, a move expected to transform diabetes care and reduce the country’s dependence on imported medication.
The envoy disclosed on Wednesday in Abuja during a reception marking the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.
Yu explained that Chinese companies are already in discussions with Nigerian authorities on the project, which will “revolutionize the management of blood glucose levels, reduce diabetes-related complications, and position Nigeria as a hub for African medical biotechnology.”
Highlighting ongoing China-Nigeria cooperation, the ambassador cited major infrastructure projects as proof of progress.
- Lekki Deep Sea Port: described as Nigeria’s new “national gateway” to global trade, with projected economic benefits of $360 billion and the creation of 170,000 jobs over 45 years.
- The Abuja Water Supply Project, recently completed, has a daily capacity of 480,000 cubic metres and now provides clean water to nearly three million residents.
“These projects represent tangible benefits of China-Nigeria cooperation,” Yu said.
Yu also reflected on the unique bond between Nigeria and China, noting that both nations celebrate their national days on October 1st.
“Both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day fall on the same day. It is a shared national memory that binds our two peoples together,” he remarked.
He further shared personal stories that symbolize the growing ties:
- Issah Fatimah Abiola (Bai Yang), Nigeria’s first female train driver trained by CCECC, recently received China’s ‘Friendship Envoy Award’, one of only six awarded globally.
- Ibrahim Ismail, a schoolboy from Kano, earned praise for his flawless Mandarin, inspiring admiration in both countries.
Yu also lauded Nigeria’s decision to introduce Chinese language studies into the new senior secondary school curriculum, calling it “an important bridge for deepening China-Nigeria friendship.”
Deputy Senate President Sen. Barau Jibrin, represented by Sen. Babangida Hussaini, conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s greetings to China and praised its contributions to Nigeria’s growth.
“In recent decades, the relationship between Nigeria and China has blossomed into a comprehensive strategic partnership,” Jibrin said.
He stressed that Nigerian legislators remain committed to ensuring that the partnerships in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, defence, trade, and investment are transparent, sustainable, and impactful.
“As legislators in Nigeria, we will continue to provide the enabling environment, legal frameworks, and oversight mechanisms to ensure these partnerships benefit future generations,” he concluded.
