The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, said that Nigeria is taking a bold step to stop relying on importation of insulin but build a capacity to produce insulin locally.
Nnaji disclose this at the Signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on the Sustainable Insulin Production in Nigeria between the Ministry, through its Agency, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABRDA) and the Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company Limited of China, today, in Abuja.
The Minister further said that for decades’ millions of Nigerians living with diabetes have depended on imported insulin, often at high cost and limited availability, hence this agreement between the Ministry through its Agency NABRDA and the Chinese company, diabetic citizens in the country can now access their drugs locally at a low cost.
Uche emphasize that by localizing the insulin production, it will not only address a critical health need, but also create jobs, build technical expertise and position Nigeria as a regional hub for medical biotechnology which is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister applauded the initiative saying that, the Ministry is converting research into production, adding that the partnership underscores the deep friendship between the two countries and it demonstrates what can be achieved, when science, technology and international cooperation come together in service of humanity.
Speaking, the Director General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABRDA) Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha said that the project is to transform research into practical homegrown solutions that addresses national needs.
He also said that the collaboration with the Chinese company reflects the country’s growing capacity to engage in high impact in biotechnology research development with a focus on healthcare innovation.
Earlier, General Manager, Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company, Bokai Shai said that the purpose of the collaboration is to enhance production of insulin in the country and also promote the development of Nigerian pharmaceutical industries.
Signed
Pauline Sule (Mrs.) anipr
Head (Press &PRU)
