Nigeria to Partner Iran On Security, Infrastructure

allAfrica — The federal government has expanded its outsourcing for partners to help it combat the growing threats of insecurity and dearth of infrastructure within the country.

Vice President Arc Mohammed Sambo appealed to the Republic of Iran on the country's need for added support that would improve her security situation when he hosted the Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Saeed, Koorechi in his office at the State House, Abuja.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Umar Sani, said already plans were underway for Nigeria to seek support of Iran in the areas of power, transportation, agriculture, science education, oil and gas exploration, fertilizer production, health care delivery and security.

The Vice President, Sani explained is scheduled to represent President Goodluck Jonathan at the 16th Summit of the Non-Aligned Nations in Tehran at a later date.

"Arc. Sambo said that Nigeria is looking forward to the Summit and expressed her desire to add value to the success of the organization to attain lofty heights in championing universal freedom of humanity and improving the socio-economic conditions of member nations," the statement added.

Sambo, it said, will work conscientiously to ensure that joint commissions in the envisaged areas of cooperation are formed and actualized, adding that Nigeria was already doing business with Iran by the purchase of power components that are being used in the National Independent Power Projects (NIPP) on its 10 new thermal power plants currently being constructed.

Earlier, Koorechi was elated that Nigeria would not only be participating but would be represented by a high level delegation. He said the Summit is billed to host members that consist of 55 per cent population of the world and 20 per cent of the world's economies.

He stated that of the over 100 countries that indicated interest to participate, over 50 of them will participate at the level of Presidents', Prime Ministers and Vice Presidents. He therefore called on Nigeria to take advantage offered by the Summit as the country enjoys large potentials which should be utilized for its benefit.

The Ambassador noted that Iran was self sufficient and export power and oil to neighbouring countries while it is able to meet 95 per cent of its pharmaceutical demands to her 75 million population. He further stated that Iranian companies have contacted their Nigerian counterparts for mutual cooperation while expressing Iran's readiness to cooperate with Nigeria to combat insecurity.

Iran spiritual leader, Ayatollah Khameini is expected to inaugurate the conference.