President Pezeshkian made the remarks in Tehran, Iran, while formally receiving the Letters of Credence from Nigeria’s newly accredited Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ambassador Hamza Mohammed Sallau, during an official diplomatic ceremony held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
​The development was officially communicated by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press statement issued in Abuja on Friday, November 13, 2026. The release, bearing reference number MFA/PR/2026/296, was signed by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi.
​During the credential presentation ceremony in Tehran, President Pezeshkian emphasized the extensive opportunities for collaboration between Abuja and Tehran. He reiterated the Iranian government’s readiness to identify and pursue new avenues that will reinforce diplomatic ties and deliver mutually beneficial outcomes for citizens of both nations.
​The Iranian leader noted that expanding cooperation across economic, commercial, political, and cultural spheres remains essential to maximising existing capacities between the two countries.
​In his response, Ambassador Hamza Mohammed Sallau conveyed the warm greetings and goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to President Pezeshkian and the people of Iran, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic engagement.
​Highlighting key sectors for immediate collaboration, Ambassador Sallau identified trade, agriculture, and healthcare as priority areas capable of driving sustainable economic growth and mutual development. He also extended the Nigerian government’s condolences over the passing of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
​Ambassador Sallau commended the shared commitment of both countries to multilateralism and constructive international cooperation. To translate diplomatic goodwill into tangible results, he urged both governments to prioritise the Nigeria-Iran Joint Commission as the primary institutional mechanism for advancing bilateral initiatives.
​According to the envoy, the Joint Commission should focus on identifying new, practical areas of partnership while consolidating existing bilateral agreements.
​Both Tehran and Abuja restated their resolve to expand political dialogue, reinforce institutional frameworks, and promote closer people-to-people and cultural exchanges. The formal presentation of the Letters of Credence on November 3 marks the official commencement of Ambassador Sallau’s diplomatic mandate in Tehran.
