During a meeting with Niger’s Minister of Petroleum, Mahamane Sani Mahamadou, on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 7th Iran Expo exhibition, Hassan Abbaszadeh highlighted Iran’s interest in expanding its presence in African markets.  

“Iran is prepared to present a long-term development plan and roadmap for Niger’s petrochemical industry,” Abbaszadeh said. “This planning can be based on feasibility studies considering logistical conditions and access to feedstock.”  

Responding to Niger’s request to purchase urea from Iran, Abbaszadeh noted that while Iranian petrochemical companies are privately owned, NPC serves as a regulatory body.  

“We will arrange necessary negotiations with Persian Gulf Holding, a major urea producer in Iran, to meet your demand,” he said.  

Abbaszadeh stated that Iran produces about 7 million metric tons of urea annually, with 2 million tons used domestically and the rest exported.  

“Iranian companies and experts have the capability to build a urea plant in Niger,” he said. “If Niger can secure the required feedstock (ammonia) from neighboring countries or even import it from Iran, this plant could address your agricultural needs.”  

He also proposed training Niger’s workforce in Iran for roles in refining and petrochemical industries and welcomed Niger’s request for Iranian involvement in building an integrated refining and petrochemical complex.  

“Iranian firms and specialists are capable of supplying the necessary equipment for such projects,” Abbaszadeh added.  

Niger Seeks Iranian partnership in petrochemical development, urea purchase 

Niger’s petroleum minister expressed his country’s interest in collaborating with Iran on petrochemical projects and purchasing urea.  

“We are ready to sign a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in this field,” Mahamadou said.  

Noting Niger’s agricultural sector’s need for urea imports, he added: “We aim to buy urea from Iran. Since the Ministry of Agriculture is the end user, we will relay your details on volume, payment and logistics to them and coordinate with you once a decision is made.”