Nigeria, Iran Strengthen Ties To Boost Trade, Energy

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.

A statement issued on Thursday by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja said this has become imperative following a high-level meeting held on  December 17, 2025 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.

He said the meeting brought together the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed and the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, Gholamreza Madhavi Raja, marking one of the first formal engagements after the Iranian envoy presented his Letters of Credence to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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 over five decades of diplomatic relations between both 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 economy, trade, oil and gas, agriculture, mining, and downstream industries.

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 further disclosed Iran’s readiness to convene the 7th Session of the Nigeria-Iran Joint Commission, expected to hold in 2026.

Also speaking Ambassador Dunoma reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Islamic Republic, even as he conveyed Nigeria’s goodwill and strategic intentions during the engagement.

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,the statement said.

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.