Nigeria and the Islamic Republic of Iran have renewed their commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and multilateral engagement following a high-level diplomatic meeting in Abuja.
The meeting, held on 17 December 2025 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brought together Dunoma Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and Gholamreza Madhavi Raja, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria.
According to a statement by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Abuja on Thursday, it marked one of the first formal engagements since the Iranian envoy presented his Letters of Credence to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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Raja described Nigeria as a strategic partner in Iran’s foreign policy, noting its pivotal role as a gateway to West Africa and a key entry point for broader engagement with the African continent.
He recalled more than five decades of diplomatic relations between both countries but expressed concern over the recent absence of Nigeria’s ambassador in Tehran, which he said had slowed the pace of bilateral interactions.
The Iranian envoy welcomed Nigeria’s plans to appoint an ambassador to Iran, stressing that a sustained diplomatic presence was critical to advancing cooperation, particularly in economic diplomacy.
He identified trade and investment as top priorities, explaining that Iran was keen to move beyond conventional trade relations towards joint ventures and direct investments involving Iranian companies and Nigerian partners.
Raja highlighted opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, mining, and downstream industries, noting that both countries share membership in several international and regional organisations, including the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, and the Developing Eight (D-8). He described these platforms as natural channels for promoting shared interests and policy alignment.
He also disclosed Iran’s readiness to convene the 7th Session of the Nigeria–Iran Joint Commission, which is expected to take place in 2026, as part of efforts to provide a structured framework for advancing bilateral cooperation.
On Nigeria’s side, Ahmed reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening relations with Iran, conveying Nigeria’s goodwill and strategic intentions.
He congratulated the Iranian government on the recent discovery of a significant gold deposit in the country’s southern region, describing it as a positive development that would further boost Iran’s economy.
The Permanent Secretary also commended Iran’s achievements in science and technology and expressed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation in critical areas such as medicine, agriculture, education, and governance.
He said enhanced collaboration in these sectors would promote knowledge sharing, skills development, and technology transfer for the mutual benefit of both nations.
Ahmed assured that Nigeria would intensify efforts to ensure the full implementation of existing bilateral agreements, including the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, as part of broader measures to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties.
On global and security issues, Nigeria reiterated its support for ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving Iran’s nuclear matters and commended Iran’s continued commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The Permanent Secretary stressed the importance of sustained engagement within international and multilateral organisations, noting that such platforms remain essential for promoting international peace, stability, and cooperation.
