Nigeria and Iran are strengthening their bilateral ties with a focus on trade, investment, energy, and multilateral cooperation.
This follows a high-level meeting in Abuja, during which both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening relations, with Iran identifying economic cooperation as a top priority.
Key areas of focus include joint ventures, investments in oil and gas, agriculture, mining, and downstream industries.
Ambassador Gholamreza Madhavi Raja emphasized Nigeria's strategic importance to Iran, citing shared membership in organizations like OPEC, OIC, and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum. Iran plans to encourage companies to pursue joint ventures and investments in Nigeria, and the two countries will convene the 7th Session of the Nigeria-Iran Joint Commission in 2026.
Economic Diplomacy Takes Centre Stage as 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 shared membership of both countries in international and regional platforms such as OPEC, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, and the D-8, describing them as natural avenues for advancing common interests.
He disclosed Iran’s readiness to convene the 7th Session of the Nigeria-Iran Joint Commission, expected to hold in 2026, the Spokesperson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said on Thursday.
Nigeria welcomed Iran's gold discovery and commended its advancements in science and technology, expressing readiness to deepen cooperation in medicine, agriculture, education, and governance.
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.
The Nigerian side 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.
This, Permanent Secretary noted, 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.
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 (NPT).
The importance of sustained engagement within international and multilateral organisations was underscored, with Nigeria noting that such platforms remain vital for advancing international peace and cooperation.
Multilateral cooperation and regional issues featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides deliberating on collaboration within ECOWAS, where the Iranian Ambassador said he serves as his country’s representative, as well as broader engagements at the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Nigeria reiterated its support for diplomatic solutions to global challenges, including Iran’s nuclear file, and welcomed sustained cooperation within international organisations.
Both sides described the engagement as the beginning of more sustained interactions aimed at translating goodwill into concrete outcomes.
Plans were equally 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.