Nigeria and the Islamic Republic of Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, with a renewed focus on trade, investment, energy cooperation, and multilateral engagement.
The engagement followed a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, and the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, Gholamreza Madhavi Raja, after the Iranian envoy presented his Letters of Credence to President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Raja underscored “Nigeria’s strategic importance in Iran’s foreign policy, describing the country as a gateway to West Africa and a critical partner for engagement with the African continent.”
He recalled the over five decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries and expressed concern over the recent absence of Nigeria’s ambassadors in Tehran, which he noted had slowed bilateral engagement.
The Iranian envoy welcomed “Nigeria’s plans to appoint an ambassador to Tehran” and stressed the need for sustained diplomatic presence to advance cooperation, particularly in the economy, trade, oil and gas, agriculture, mining, and downstream industries.
Ambassador Raja identified economic cooperation as Iran’s top priority in relations with Nigeria, revealing plans to encourage Iranian companies to pursue joint ventures and direct investments, rather than mere trade.
He highlighted the shared membership of both countries in international and regional platforms such as OPEC, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, and the D-8, describing them as natural avenues for advancing common interests.
“Iran is ready to convene the 7th Session of the Nigeria-Iran Joint Commission, expected to hold in 2026,” he further disclosed.
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The Permanent Secretary said Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
He extended Nigeria’s heartfelt congratulations to the Government of Iran on the recent discovery of a significant gold deposit in the country’s southern region, describing the development as a positive boost to Iran’s economy.
He also commended Iran’s notable advancements in science and technology and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation in key sectors, including medicine, agriculture, education, and other areas of governance.
“Nigeria would promote knowledge sharing, skills development, and technology transfer for mutual benefit”.
Assurance was given that Nigeria would intensify efforts to ensure the “full implementation of existing bilateral agreements, including the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, as part of measures to further strengthen ties,”Ambassador Ahmed added.
The Permanent Secretary further reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving Iran’s nuclear issues and commended Iran’s continued commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. He underscored the importance of sustained engagement within international and multilateral organisations, noting that such platforms remain vital for advancing international peace and cooperation.
The Nigeria-Iran engagement was described as the beginning of more sustained interactions aimed at translating goodwill into concrete outcomes. Plans were also discussed for activities marking the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Iran, scheduled for May 2026.
The discussions concluded on a cordial note, with assurances of mutual support and a shared commitment to elevating Nigeria–Iran relations through diplomacy anchored on economic growth, strategic cooperation, and regional stability.