The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has announced plans by Chinese companies to establish Africa’s first local insulin production facility in Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday during a reception marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Yu said the project would transform diabetes management in the country by improving access to life-saving treatment and reducing reliance on imported insulin.
He explained that the initiative forms part of the growing China–Nigeria cooperation in critical sectors. “Chinese companies are in talks with Nigeria to build Africa’s first local insulin production facility, potentially ending Nigeria’s reliance on imported insulin and positioning Nigeria as a hub for African medical biotechnology,” the envoy said.
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Tangible Outcomes of Cooperation
Yu noted that the insulin project follows other tangible benefits of bilateral relations, citing the recently completed Abuja Water Supply Project. With a daily capacity of 480 cubic metres, the facility now provides clean water to nearly three million people in the capital city.
He also highlighted China’s long-standing support for Africa’s self-driven development. “China has remained committed to fostering equal, pragmatic, and efficient cooperation, supporting Africa’s integration and capacity for self-reliance,” he added.
Shared National Celebration
The ambassador underscored the symbolism of both nations marking their national days on October 1. “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 said.
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Yu also celebrated personal stories of friendship between the two countries. He mentioned Ms Issah Fatimah Abiola, the first Nigerian female train driver trained by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), who recently received China’s “Friendship Envoy Award”. He further praised Ibrahim Ismail, a young student from Kano fluent in Mandarin, as a symbol of cultural exchange.
He welcomed Nigeria’s decision to introduce Chinese language into the senior secondary school curriculum, describing it as “an important bridge for deepening China–Nigeria friendship”.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, represented by Senator Babangida Hussaini, delivered greetings from President Bola Tinubu and commended China’s transformation journey.
He said Nigeria remained committed to strengthening cooperation with China across infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, defence, trade, and investment.
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“In recent decades, the relationship between Nigeria and China has blossomed into a comprehensive strategic partnership,” Jibrin said. “As legislators, we are committed to providing the enabling environment, legal frameworks, and oversight mechanisms to ensure that these partnerships remain transparent, sustainable, and impactful for the benefit of future generations.”
