By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, has reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to deepening relations with Nigeria, describing the partnership as vital to South–South cooperation, regional stability and sustainable development.

Raja made this known on Friday in Abuja at a ceremony marking the 47th Anniversary of the Victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, attended by diplomats, senior government officials, political leaders and other distinguished guests.

Reflecting on the 1979 revolution, Raja said it was the expression of the Iranian people’s will to achieve independence, national sovereignty, and popular governance.

He said, “The Islamic Revolution was not merely a transfer of political power; it marked the restoration of dignity, independence, and the establishment of national sovereignty and justice.”

He noted that despite decades of pressure and sanctions, Iran had recorded achievements in science, technology, healthcare, infrastructure and economic diversification by relying on indigenous capacity and human capital.

According to him, Iran has made notable progress in knowledge production, expansion of knowledge-based companies, pharmaceutical self-sufficiency, industrial growth, and non-oil exports, even under what he described as “unjust sanctions and difficult global economic conditions.”

On foreign policy, the ambassador said Iran pursued a balanced and dynamic diplomacy anchored on dialogue, multilateralism and cooperation.

“Iran considers itself a responsible, independent and influential actor at regional and global levels and has consistently supported peace, stability and sustainable development,” Raja said.

Speaking on bilateral ties, he described relations between Iran and Nigeria as rooted in mutual respect and shared interests, stressing that both countries possessed strong potential for cooperation in energy, agriculture, healthcare, technology, education and engineering services.

“Nigeria holds a special place in Iran’s foreign policy, while Iran can serve as a reliable partner for Nigeria’s sustainable development,” he said.

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director of Regions Department, Mr Bukar Buni Hamman, reaffirmed Nigeria’s position on diplomatic engagement.

Mr Hamman said trade between both countries had grown steadily, particularly in sectors such as energy-related products, agriculture, manufacturing inputs and consumer goods.

He said, “Nigeria recognizes Iran as an important country in the Middle East and a valuable member of the international community.

“Relations between Nigeria and Iran have been conducted within the framework of mutual respect and constructive diplomatic engagement.

“Nigeria remains firmly committed to peaceful coexistence, respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of disputes,” he said.

In his remarks, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, said Iran remained an important partner for Nigeria, particularly in trade, technology transfer and economic self-reliance.

He disclosed that an Iranian company was establishing a lead and zinc industry in Bauchi State, aimed at creating a full value chain rather than exporting raw materials.

The governor added that discussions were ongoing with Iranian investors in agriculture and livestock development, including ranching and modern insemination techniques to boost productivity.

He said, “My presence underscores the importance of Iran in African–Nigerian and global relations, especially in learning best practices that promote self-reliance and independence.

“Iran has remained a friend of the downtrodden. We are here to enhance bilateral relations and reassure Iranian investors that Nigeria is a friendly country where they can thrive,” Mohammed said.