Iran Positions Investment Strategy In Nigeria’s Energy Sector
By Naija Enquirer Staff
Iran has agreed to invest more in Nigeria’s energy sector and other critical industries as the Islamic country advances new partnership discussions with Africa’s largest economy.
Nigeria and the Islamic Republic of Iran are working towards deepening bilateral relations, with renewed focus on trade, investment, energy cooperation and multilateral engagement, following a high-level meeting held on December 17, 2025, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
The meeting brought together the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, and the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, H.E. Gholamreza Madhavi Raja. It marked one of the first formal engagements after the Iranian envoy presented his Letters of Credence to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Energy, Trade Drive New Economic Diplomacy
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 in key sectors including oil and gas, agriculture, mining, trade and downstream industries.
Investment Over Trade
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 transactions.
He highlighted the 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.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment
In response, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Iran and conveyed Nigeria’s goodwill and strategic intentions.
He congratulated 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 Permanent Secretary also commended Iran’s notable advancements in science and technology and expressed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation in medicine, agriculture, education and other governance sectors.
Multilateral Engagement And Future Plans
Both sides underscored the importance of sustained engagement within international and multilateral organisations, noting their relevance in promoting international peace and cooperation.
Discussions also covered collaboration within ECOWAS, the United Nations and the OIC, as well as Nigeria’s support for diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving Iran’s nuclear issues in line with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The meeting concluded on a cordial note, with both countries agreeing to sustain engagement and translate goodwill into concrete outcomes. Plans were also discussed for activities marking the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Iran, scheduled for May 2026.
