A former Nigerian Air Force officer, Muhammad Usman has found a surprising but highly profitable business, scorpion venom farming in Lagos.
Usman manages a farm with over 10,000 scorpions, carefully extracting venom twice a month for sale to pharmaceutical, biotech, and cosmetic industries.
Scorpion venom is one of the most expensive liquids in the world, with a gallon valued at $10 million. Its high price comes from the complex proteins, enzymes, and bioactive compounds used in medicines for cancer treatment, pain relief, and anti-aging products.
Usman served in the Nigerian Air Force for over a decade, taking part in operations like Operation Safe Haven and Operation MESA before resigning. He was inspired to go into biotechnology after learning about the high value of scorpion venom.
“I left the military to pursue something that could transform lives- and my own. Venom isn’t just a product; it’s a bridge between nature and medicine,” Usman told TRTAfrica.
He spent years studying scorpion behavior, habitat management, and venom extraction before setting up his farm in Lagos.
Usman extracts venom twice a month using a manual process. Each scorpion produces only about 2 milligrams of venom per extraction, meaning he needs thousands to collect even small amounts. The venom is then stored in refrigerators until he has enough for sale.
“Milking scorpions isn’t for the faint of heart. Each sting feels like liquid fire, but the reward is worth the risk. You need patience, and thousands of scorpions, to harvest even a drop,” he explained.
Scorpion venom remains in high demand, with pharmaceutical companies using it to develop life-saving treatments.
However, Usman worries about the rise of synthetic venom production in laboratories, which could reduce demand for natural venom and lower prices.
“Lab-made venom is coming, and it’s a ticking clock. We’re storing every drop we can, hoping to sell before the market shifts. It’s a gamble, but we’re betting on nature’s edge,” he said.
Despite this risk, Usman believes Nigeria has great potential in the industry.
“Nigeria has the scorpions, the climate, and the people. If we act fast, we can lead this industry, not just follow,” he stated.
