Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has lauded the Islamic Republic of Iran, describing it as a key global partner with strong potential for trade, agriculture, and industrial development.
Mohammed made the remarks on Monday in Abuja at the 47th anniversary of Iran’s National Day, hosted by the Iranian Embassy, where he called for stronger economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
Dismissing negative perceptions about Iran, the governor noted, “Away from all the shenanigans and bad impressions here and there, Iran has remained a friend of the downtrodden.”
He added, “Even today, they are sending assistance and empowerment to many communities without making noise about it.”
Speaking further, Mohammed said his presence at the event underscored the importance of Iran in Africa’s global engagement.
“My presence underscores the importance of Iran in global perspectives, and in African–Nigerian and African–global relations for trade and commerce, and especially the need to take care of our economy and learn from best practices,” he said.
Mohammed urged both countries to learn from each other in ways that promote self-reliance and independence. He added that Iran has historical links with northern Nigeria, stating, “Some of our cities still have embassies in Iran.”
On trade and investment, the governor disclosed that an Iranian company is setting up a major lead and zinc project in Bauchi, which he described as home to Nigeria’s largest deposit of the minerals.
“They are going to create a value chain around the industry, not just take away raw materials,” he said.
He added that discussions were also ongoing with Iranian investors in agriculture and livestock development. He emphasised that Bauchi has vast arable land, while Iran has the technology needed to boost productivity.
“Even in livestock, in artificial insemination and related practices, they are improving milk and cattle production. Ranches will be established, and this will improve our yield across all fields,” Mohammed said.
The governor assured Iranian investors of a welcoming business environment in Nigeria. “We want to enhance our bilateral relations and reassure investors from Iran that we are friends and we mean well. Nigeria is a friendly country where they can come and do business without impediment,” he said.
Offering goodwill to Iran on its National Day, Mohammed added, “I wish Iran the best in terms of national development and cohesion and reassure them that they have friends in us at the sub-national and national levels.”
In his remarks, the Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mahdavi Raja, reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria, describing the country as “a reliable partner for sustainable development” and a key focus of Iran’s Africa policy.
Raja said the 1979 Islamic Revolution “marked the beginning of national sovereignty, popular governance, and the restoration of the dignity and independence of the Iranian nation.”
He also said that Iran’s path is rooted in “independence, freedom, justice, and the rejection of domination.”
Highlighting achievements despite sanctions, he said Iran had recorded gains in science, technology, and healthcare, including major advances in emerging technologies and the health sector, as well as progress in non-oil exports and industrial production.
On bilateral ties, Raja said Iran and Nigeria possess considerable potential for constructive cooperation, stressing that deeper relations would serve the national interests of both countries and strengthen South-South cooperation.
On recent tensions, the envoy said Iran entered nuclear talks to demonstrate goodwill but condemned what he described as military aggression by the Zionist regime, with the participation of the United States, resulting in “significant human and economic losses.”
He added that while Iran would act “firmly and decisively to defend its sovereignty, it remained committed to diplomacy, insisting that negotiations based on threats, force, and unilateral demands cannot be effective.”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, congratulated Iran on the 47th anniversary of the establishment of its republic, saying Nigeria recognised Iran as “an important country in the Middle East and a valuable member of the international community.”
Ahmed conveyed the goodwill of the Nigerian government, noting that the anniversary reflected the choices made by the Iranian people through a constitutional process that shaped the country’s contemporary political framework.
He said relations between the two countries had been guided by “mutual respect and constructive diplomatic engagement” through bilateral channels and multilateral institutions, including the United Nations.
The permanent secretary also highlighted growing economic ties, saying trade between Nigeria and Iran had expanded steadily in areas such as energy-related products, agriculture, manufacturing inputs, and consumer goods.
He stressed that these exchanges showed “the complementary nature of our economies and the potential for further diversification under the framework of South-South cooperation.”
Reaffirming Nigeria’s foreign policy principles, Ahmed said the country remained “firmly committed to peaceful coexistence, respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.”
He added, “Dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law are essential for international stability and sustainable development.”
Ahmed extended Nigeria’s best wishes to the Iranian government and people, expressing hope for continued engagement to promote trade, understanding, stability, and constructive relations within the international community.
