IRAN REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL TIES WITH NIGERIA

By Iyojo Ameh

Iran’s ambassador to Nigeria, Mahdavi Raja, has reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to deepening relations with Nigeria through enhanced bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including economic resilience and technological development.

The envoy made the remarks on Monday in Abuja during the 47th anniversary celebration of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, describing both countries as influential regional players with longstanding friendly ties rooted in mutual respect and shared interests.
“Nigeria holds a special place in Iran’s foreign policy.

At the same time, Iran’s capabilities in energy, agriculture, healthcare, technology, education, and engineering services position it as a reliable partner for Nigeria’s sustainable development,” Mr. Raja said.

He highlighted Nigeria’s large market, human resources, and strategic role in West Africa as offering vast opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.

The ambassador also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria, members of the diplomatic corps, and invited guests for honouring the occasion.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, represented by Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, the ministry’s permanent secretary, noted that Nigeria recognized Iran as a key Middle East country and valuable member of the international community.

According to Mr. Tuggar, relations between both countries are guided by mutual respect and constructive engagement through bilateral channels and multilateral platforms, including the United Nations.

He added that economic relations between Nigeria and Iran had steadily expanded over the years, covering energy-related products, agriculture, manufacturing inputs, and consumer goods—demonstrating the complementary nature of both economies.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State described Iran as an important partner for Nigeria, particularly in trade,
investment, and economic self-reliance.

He disclosed that an Iranian company was establishing a lead and zinc industry in Bauchi to develop a full value chain rather than export raw materials.

Discussions are also ongoing with Iranian investors on agriculture and livestock development, including modern ranching and breeding technologies to boost productivity.

Reflecting on Iran’s national journey, Mr. Raja described the anniversary as a moment for reflection and renewed international engagement. He said the 1979 Islamic Revolution represented the Iranian people’s collective will to reclaim national sovereignty, independence, and dignity.

“Despite decades of external pressure and sanctions, Iran has achieved significant results by relying on indigenous capacity, social cohesion, and skilled human capital,” he noted.

He added that Iran had made steady progress in science and technology, expanded knowledge-based companies, and achieved advances in emerging technologies and healthcare.

On the economic front, Mr. Raja said Iran had strengthened industrial production, increased non-oil exports, and laid foundations for a diversified and resilient economy.

Improvements in healthcare coverage, pharmaceutical self-sufficiency, housing, access to clean water, and communication infrastructure have contributed to better living standards for citizens.

The ambassador also emphasized Iran’s commitment to a balanced and dynamic diplomacy focused on dialogue, multilateralism, and cooperation, while expanding relations with neighbouring countries, emerging powers, and international organizations.

He further addressed challenges facing Iran, including economic pressures and external campaigns, stressing that Tehran remained committed to protecting its citizens and pursuing diplomacy based on mutual respect.