Bauchi Gov seeks stronger Nigeria–Iran ties, highlights Bauchi’s lead, zinc potential

The Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, has reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to strengthening relations with Nigeria, describing the country as a strategic partner in West Africa. He spoke in Abuja during the 47th Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, where he highlighted the resilience of his nation and the opportunities for cooperation with […]

The Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, has reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to strengthening relations with Nigeria, describing the country as a strategic partner in West Africa.

He spoke in Abuja during the 47th Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, where he highlighted the resilience of his nation and the opportunities for cooperation with Nigeria.

Raja said the 1979 revolution was “the manifestation of the will of a nation that, relying on faith, historical identity, and a deep desire for independence, triumphed over a dependent dictatorship.”

He explained that despite sanctions and external pressures, Iran had achieved progress in science, technology, healthcare, and industrial production.

“In the economic and production sectors, despite unjust sanctions and difficult global economic conditions, growth in industrial production, increased non-oil exports, strengthened fiscal foundations, and signs of a transition toward a diversified and resilient economy have become evident,” he said.

The envoy stressed that Nigeria occupies a special place in Iran’s foreign policy. “Nigeria, as one of the African countries with the largest economy and a key country in West Africa, holds a special place in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he noted.

He added that Nigeria’s vast market, human resources, and regional role provide “important opportunities for the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation.”

According to him, deepening ties between the two nations would not only serve their national interests but also strengthen South–South cooperation and enhance regional stability. “Undoubtedly, the deepening of friendly relations between Iran and Nigeria will not only serve the national interests of both countries but can also play an effective role in strengthening South–South cooperation, enhancing regional stability, and advancing peace and development at the international level,” he said.

On his part, the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, said his presence at the event was symbolic of Bauchi’s commitment to building stronger ties with Iran. “Well, we thank God I’m here, my presence underscores the importance of Iran,” he told journalists.

He recalled the historical relationship between Iran and northern Nigeria, noting that cultural and economic exchanges date back over a millennium. “Iran had a relationship with us, especially for those of us from northern Nigeria, for over 1,000 years. Some of our cities still have embassies in Iran, and even today they are sending assistance and empowerment to so many communities without making much noise,” he said.

Mohammed dismissed negative perceptions about Iran, describing the country as “a friend of most of the downtrodden.”

He revealed that Bauchi is already benefiting from Iranian investment in mining. “In Bauchi, one of the Iranian companies is establishing one of the most mutually beneficial industries in lead and zinc, and it is the largest deposit in Nigeria, where they are going to create a value chain around the industry, not just to take away raw materials,” he added.

Beyond mining, he disclosed ongoing discussions with Iranian investors in agriculture and livestock development. “We have a lot of arable land, and they have the technology, and of course even in livestock, because insemination and the rest they are doing to increase milk production, cow production. And of course to arrest all this unwholesome practice of pastoralism, where ranches will be established, and it will improve our yield in all fields of livestock,” he said.

The governor assured Iranian investors of Nigeria’s openness to foreign partnerships. “Nigeria is a friendly country, it’s a country where they can come and make it without any impediment or encumbrances,” he said, while extending goodwill to Iran on its anniversary.

“I wish Iran the best in terms of national development, national cohesion, and to reassure them that they have friends in us at the subnational level, and I believe even at the national level.”