Iranian investors are eager to do business in Nigeria – Envoy

Several Iranian companies are eager to invest in Nigeria in sectors like mining, agriculture and oil and gas, the Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Rahimi Zarchi, has said.

Speaking during a visit of the House of Representatives Committee on NigeriaIran Parliamentary Relations, the envoy said his country had made tremendous technological advancement in those sectors that could help advance Nigeria’s current diversification initiative.

“A lot of companies in Iran are very much eager to invest in Nigeria in such sectors like agriculture, animal husbandry, mining and oil and gas. I urge you as representatives of the people to assist in ensuring that this is made possible,” he said.

The Iranian ambassador told the lawmakers that he was seeking audience with the Minister for Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbe, in that regard, calling on the lawmakers to support the efforts to build stronger ties between the two countries for mutual economic benefits.

Earlier, the committee’s Chairman, Rep Abdullahi Umar Faruk (APC, Kebbi), said the committee was constituted to help strengthen diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Iran through legislative friendship and collaboration.

Also speaking, the committee’s deputy Chairman, Dennis Agbo (PDP, Enugu), said a group of Iranian investors had visited Nigeria about a year ago, noting that Iran as a global player in agriculture and animal husbandry, could be of great assistance in the efforts of the present administration to diversify the economy.