Iran seeks closer economic, political ties with Nigeria

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for stronger economic, political and cultural relations with Nigeria, saying both countries should explore untapped opportunities to improve cooperation.

He made the call while receiving the Letters of Credence from Nigeria’s Ambassador to Iran, Hamza Sallau, during a diplomatic meeting in Tehran.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by Oluwafemi Adeniyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s readiness to explore new opportunities that would strengthen diplomatic relations and produce benefits for both countries.

During the meeting, Sallau delivered President Bola Tinubu’s greetings to the Iranian leader and its people, assuring him of Nigeria’s commitment to building stronger bilateral relations.

The Nigerian ambassador identified trade, agriculture and healthcare as key areas where both countries could expand cooperation to support economic development.

He also praised Nigeria and Iran for their shared commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation.

Sallau urged both countries to give priority to the Nigeria-Iran Joint Commission, describing it as an important platform for strengthening their relationship.

He said the commission should focus on identifying practical areas of cooperation that would create benefits for both nations while improving existing diplomatic and economic partnerships.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to increasing political engagement, improving cooperation between their institutions and encouraging stronger relationships between their citizens.

The presentation of the Letters of Credence formally confirmed Sallau’s appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The appointment also signals Nigeria’s continued efforts to strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships with Iran in line with its foreign policy objectives.