The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, revealed plans for China to establish Africa’s first insulin production facility in Nigeria.
This announcement was made on Wednesday in Abuja during a reception celebrating the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.
He noted that this initiative would revolutionize the management of blood glucose levels, reduce diabetes-related complications, and eliminate Nigeria’s dependence on imported insulin.
“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,” he stated.
The Ambassador highlighted several significant projects as proof of progress, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Abuja Water Supply Project.
“The Lekki Deep Sea Port has become a new ‘national gateway’ for Nigeria’s global trade,” he said, noting its potential to generate $360 billion in economic benefits and create 170,000 jobs over the next 45 years.
“This project is part of the tangible benefits of China-Nigeria cooperation, alongside the recently completed Abuja Water Supply Project, with a daily capacity of 480 cubic metres, which now provides clean water to nearly three million people,” he added.
Yu also emphasized China’s longstanding commitment to supporting Africa’s development through a cooperative model that is equitable, practical, and efficient.
He affirmed China’s dedication to promoting Africa’s integration and strengthening its capacity for self-sustained growth.
The Ambassador reflected on the shared significance of both nations celebrating their national days on October 1.
“Both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day fall on the same day, October 1st. It is a shared national memory that binds our two peoples together,” he remarked.
He also celebrated personal stories of friendship and collaboration between the two nations.
“Not long ago, as the first Nigerian female train driver trained by CCECC, Ms. Issah Fatimah Abiola, known by her Chinese name Bai Yang, was honoured with China’s ‘Friendship Envoy Award’, one of only six global recipients,” he shared.
“Her story inspires many Nigerian women to strive for self-reliance, becoming a shining symbol of China-Nigeria friendship,” he continued.
Yu also praised the linguistic talents of a young boy from a bilingual school in Kano, Ibrahim Ismail.
“The first time I watched the video when Ibrahim speaks Mandarin Chinese, I felt totally amazed. He is not only fluent, but without any accent. Ibrahim is with us today,” he said.
He commended Nigeria’s decision to include the Chinese language in the new senior secondary school curriculum.
“I think this is wonderful news. It will serve as an important bridge for deepening China-Nigeria friendship,” he noted.
Sen. Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate, conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s greetings to China and praised their transformative journey and contributions to strengthening bilateral ties.
Represented by Sen. Babangida Hussaini, Jibrin reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening cooperation with China in key sectors.
“In recent decades, the relationship between Nigeria and China has blossomed into a comprehensive strategic partnership,” he said.
“It is a partnership defined not only by the signing of agreements, but also by tangible outcomes in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, defence, trade, and investment,” he added.
“As legislators in Nigeria, 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,” he concluded.
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