By Abuja, Nigeria
Nigeria Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has pledged to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation between Nigeria and Iran.
The Minister made this known on Monday, 16th February 2026, when she received the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, Ambassador Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters, Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review the state of bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation.
“The Iranian Ambassador stressed the urgency of restoring full diplomatic representation in both capitals and expressed optimism regarding the early deployment of Nigeria’s Ambassador to Tehran, noting that ambassadorial presence is crucial for advancing mutual interests.”
“The Ambassador underscored the need to convene the 7th Session of the Nigeria–Iran Joint Commission, due to be hosted in Abuja, and proposed the activation of a Political Consultation mechanism to enhance regular exchanges at senior official level,” the statement added.
He revealed that the discussions also focused on expanding cooperation in priority sectors including energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, science and technology, education, and infrastructure. The Iranian Ambassador highlighted opportunities for collaboration in healthcare, particularly in cancer treatment services, as well as in scholarship programmes for Nigerian students.
Responding, Odumegwu-Ojukwu congratulated the Iranian Ambassador on his appointment and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding cordial relations with Iran, established in 1973.
