Iran has agreed to significantly increase investments in Nigeria’s energy sector and other critical industries as both countries work toward strengthening their bilateral partnership. The commitment came following a high-level meeting held on December 17, 2025, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, marking a new chapter in the five-decade relationship between the two nations.
The meeting brought together Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Gholamreza Madhavi Raja of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The engagement was one of the first formal meetings after the Iranian envoy presented his Letters of Credence to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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 expressed concern over the recent absence of Nigerian ambassadors in Tehran, which he noted had slowed bilateral engagement, and welcomed Nigeria’s plans to appoint an ambassador to Tehran.
Economic cooperation emerged as Iran’s top priority in relations with Nigeria. Ambassador Raja revealed plans to encourage Iranian companies to pursue joint ventures and direct investments rather than mere trade. He highlighted shared membership in international platforms such as OPEC, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, and the D-8 as natural avenues for advancing common interests. Iran is ready to convene the 7th Session of the Nigeria-Iran Joint Commission, expected to be held in 2026.
Ambassador Ahmed conveyed Nigeria’s goodwill and strategic intentions, extending congratulations to Iran on the recent discovery of a significant gold deposit in the country’s southern region. He expressed readiness to deepen cooperation in key sectors including medicine, agriculture, education, oil and gas, and mining, noting that such collaboration would promote knowledge sharing, skills development, and technology transfer for mutual benefit.
Nigeria assured that it would intensify efforts to ensure full implementation of existing bilateral agreements, including the Bilateral Air Services Agreement. The Nigerian side also reaffirmed its support for diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving Iran’s nuclear issues and commended Iran’s continued commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Both sides agreed that the engagement marks the beginning of more sustained interactions aimed at translating goodwill into concrete outcomes. Plans were discussed for activities marking the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Iran, scheduled for May 2026.
Source: orientalnewsng.com