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Iran and Nigeria are exploring stronger cooperation within the BRICS framework, with both sides identifying opportunities to deepen engagement among countries of the Global South.
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Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, hosted Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, for a working lunch focused on bilateral and multilateral relations.
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The discussions covered Iran-Nigeria relations, Nigeria-South Africa ties and major regional and international developments, with emphasis on expanding economic and diplomatic partnerships.
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Raja said Iran and Nigeria have an important role to play within BRICS, as both countries seek greater cooperation with emerging economies and other nations of the Global South.
August 28, (THEWILL) — Iran and Nigeria are seeking to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation among countries of the Global South, with both countries exploring opportunities to strengthen their engagement within the BRICS framework.
The development followed a working lunch hosted by Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, for Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode.
The meeting provided an avenue for the two envoys to exchange views on the state of Iran-Nigeria relations, Nigeria-South Africa relations and developments shaping the regional and international environment.
Raja, in a statement issued after the engagement, said discussions centred on the “important role that Iran and Nigeria can play within the BRICS framework”. He also said the two sides examined the latest developments and emerging issues at the international level, as well as opportunities for greater collaboration among countries of the Global South.
According to him, there is “considerable potential for strengthening cooperation among countries of the Global South”, particularly at a time when developing economies are seeking stronger partnerships outside traditional geopolitical and economic blocs.
The Iranian envoy described the engagement with Fani-Kayode as a “very constructive and substantive exchange of views” on a wide range of issues of mutual interest.
Raja also praised the Nigerian envoy, describing him as “a distinguished Nigerian statesman and political figure” with extensive political and executive experience at the highest levels in Nigeria.
He noted Fani-Kayode’s knowledge of domestic, regional and international affairs, which he said contributed to the depth of discussions during the meeting.
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The talks are coming amid renewed efforts by Nigeria and Iran to identify areas for closer cooperation, including trade, investment, diplomacy and broader South-South partnerships.
Nigeria formally joined the BRICS partner-country arrangement in January 2025, deepening its engagement with the bloc, which has sought to broaden participation from countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and other parts of the Global South.
Iran, which became a full BRICS member in 2024, has also been pushing for stronger economic and political cooperation among developing countries.
Nigeria’s growing engagement with BRICS provides an additional platform for the country to pursue trade, investment, diplomatic and economic partnerships with emerging economies, while Iran’s membership gives both countries an avenue to explore areas of shared interest within the expanding grouping.
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