Iran’s ambassador to Nigeria, Mahdavi Raja, has reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to deepen ties with Abuja through bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including shared economic resilience and technological progress.

The envoy said this on Monday in Abuja during the country’s 47th anniversary celebration known as the Victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran.

The ambassador described Iran and Nigeria 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 added that Nigeria’s large market, human resources and strategic role in West Africa offered 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.

Foreign minister Yusuf Tuggar said Nigeria recognised Iran as an important country in the Middle East and a valuable member of the international community.

Mr Tuggar said relations between both countries were guided by mutual respect and constructive engagement through bilateral channels and multilateral platforms, including the UN.

According to him, economic relations between Nigeria and Iran had expanded steadily over the years, covering sectors such as energy-related products, agriculture, manufacturing inputs and consumer goods, reflecting the complementary nature of both economies.

Governor Bala Mohammed said Iran remained an important partner for Nigeria, particularly in trade, investment and the promotion of economic self-reliance.

Mr Mohammed disclosed that an Iranian company was establishing a lead and zinc industry in Bauchi aimed at developing a full value chain rather than exporting raw materials. He added that discussions were ongoing with Iranian investors in agriculture and livestock development, including modern ranching and breeding technologies to boost productivity.

The Iranian ambassador described the anniversary as a moment of national reflection and renewed international engagement. He noted that the 1979 Islamic Revolution represented the collective will of the Iranian people to reclaim national sovereignty, independence and dignity.

Mr Raja noted that, despite decades of external pressure and sanctions, Iran had achieved significant results by relying on indigenous capacity, social cohesion, and skilled human capital.

According to him, Iran has made steady progress in science and technology, expanded the number of knowledge-based companies, and achieved major advances in emerging technologies and the health sector.

In the economic sphere, he said Iran had strengthened industrial production, increased non-oil exports, and laid the foundations for a diversified and resilient economy, despite difficult global conditions. He added that improvements in healthcare coverage, pharmaceutical self-sufficiency, housing development, access to clean water and communication infrastructure had contributed to better living standards for its citizens.

Mr Raja further said that Iran was pursuing a balanced and dynamic diplomacy focused on dialogue, multilateralism and cooperation, while expanding relations with neighbouring countries, emerging powers and international organisations.

The ambassador also addressed recent challenges facing Iran, including economic pressures, security incidents and external military and media campaigns. He stressed that Iran remained committed to protecting its citizens, upholding public order and pursuing diplomacy based on mutual respect.

(NAN)