According to a report by the Punch on Saturday, January 10, 2026, Muhammad Usman, a former Nigerian Air Force corporal, is pioneering a unique biomedical venture: harvesting venom from thousands of scorpions at his laboratory, Liman Usman Global Ltd. He explains that the industry transforms a feared toxin into a high-value scientific resource, with significant potential for medical research and export revenue.
Usman, nicknamed the “scorpion doctor,” transitioned from military service to this specialized field, applying the discipline and strategic thinking from his Air Force background. The venture requires significant capital and expertise, starting with the acquisition of the scorpions themselves.
Detailing the foundational costs of the business, Usman provided specific figures on procurement and scale. He stated, “Each scorpion costs about N5,000 from forest hunters. We currently house over 10,000 scorpions.” This inventory represents a substantial initial investment, compounded by the cost of individual enclosures and specialized storage equipment.
The operation involves extracting venom from roughly 1,000 scorpions daily using a low-voltage electrostimulator that does not harm the animals. The venom is then stored in biomedical freezers. Usman emphasized that the global market for the product is lucrative, with prices reaching up to $9,000 per liter, and it is sold in bulk to international pharmaceutical companies.
Beyond the business aspect, Usman highlighted the venom’s medical importance, noting its use in researching anti-cancer drugs, non-opioid painkillers, and treatments for autoimmune diseases. He sees the industry as a frontier for Nigeria’s economic diversification, capable of creating jobs, advancing scientific research, and positioning the country as a leader in a specialized global bio-economy.
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