Iran-Nigeria Joint Commission a constructive step in boosting trade diplomacy – Envoy

From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, Mohammed Alibak, has said the ongoing Iran-Nigeria Joint Commission is ‌a constructive step in boosting trade diplomacy between both countries.

This was even as the Iranian envoy lamented the level of trade between Iran and Nigeria, saying that despite enjoying a 26-fold growth, the level of trade is not satisfying.


Are you a Man 40 yrs and above? Do not miss the vital information, it goes off in 2 days! CLICH HERE to READ .

Alibak, in a statement issued in Abuja, said a high-level delegation from Nigeria, headed by the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, is in Tehran to participate in the Sixth Iran-Nigeria Joint Commission.

Alibak also said the joint commission which is holding after a seven-year interval, is a constructive initiative for further improving bilateral ties and paving the way for boosting trade between the two countries.

Nigeria, Alibak noted, is the most populous country in Africa with a population of more than 220 million people and it is also Africa’s largest economy, with a gross domestic product of more than $430 billion in 2021.

“Nigeria is Iran’s third trade partner in Africa, but given the cordial political ties between Tehran and Abuja and the abundant capacities, the level of bilateral trade ties is not favourable. The value of bilateral trade increased from $5 million in 2019 to $18 million dollars in 2020 and to more than $130 million dollars in 2021. Despite enjoying a 26-fold growth, the level of trade is not satisfying yet and can be far beyond.

“Transportation is one of the most important hurdles hindering Iran’s trade with African counties. To that end, Iran has already started talks with Nigeria as part of efforts to tackle the challenge. Hopefully, the first flight between Tehran and Abuja will operate within the next few months. Both sides are also mulling the establishment of a shipping line between the two countries.

“The Iranian businessmen lack thorough knowledge of abundant capacities and facilities in Africa. They need to gain a more precise understating in this regard. Fortunately, the attitude has been improving in recent years with more Iranian companies showing interest in doing business in African countries, in particular, the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Abuja has taken a series of measures, including the issuance of visas for Nigerian individuals and businessmen to facilitate trade. It has also helped dozens of different Iranian companies to introduce their products into Nigeria’s market. The embassy has made its best to serve as a communication channel linking the Iranian and Nigerian private sectors, with the aim of boosting bilateral trade. This is in line with the Iranian government’s agenda to adopt active trade diplomacy to diversify its economy and establish effective ties with the international community,” Alibak said.

Alibak further said Nigeria is a large economy with vast oil revenues and extensive mineral, agricultural and human resources.

He added that the problem in Nigeria today is the lack of infrastructure, especially in the areas of energy, technology, and skilled manpower.

According to Alibak, “If the political relations between Iran and Nigeria continue to improve with the expansion of the bilateral trade in focus, Nigeria can offer large trade potentials for Iranian companies in diverse fields, from petrochemicals to food industries. The country can also operate as a regional hub facilitating trade between Iran and West African states.”

Partner with me, let’s get you making N500K to N500K a month! Skills open the doors to financial opportunities Click here to learn it .

Comments are closed.