Nigeria and Israel have renewed their commitment to expanding cooperation across key sectors including security, defence, agriculture, healthcare, technology and trade.
The renewed partnership was highlighted during the valedictory visit of Israel’s outgoing Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new areas of collaboration to support Nigeria’s development goals.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu praised Freeman’s contribution to improving relations between both countries, describing his tenure as one that created a strong foundation for deeper cooperation.
“I know you are here at a critical period. Under you, everybody saw that there’s a lot of understanding. You’ve made the job so easy for your successor,” the minister said.
Security Cooperation Takes Centre Stage
The Foreign Affairs Minister said Nigeria was seeking stronger partnerships with Israel in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, security financing and the training of security personnel.
She added that Nigeria was interested in benefiting from Israel’s experience in border security to address cross-border crimes and strengthen national safety.
According to her, security remains a major priority of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that economic progress depends on a stable environment.
She pointed to the recent rescue of abducted Oriire schoolchildren by Nigerian security forces as part of ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.
Technology And Agriculture Partnership
Beyond security, the minister called for increased cooperation in technology and innovation, particularly between Nigerian startups and Israeli technology firms.
“When Nigerian ingenuity meets Israeli innovation, remarkable achievements become possible,” she said.
She also highlighted Israel’s expertise in water management and modern agricultural techniques as areas Nigeria could leverage to improve food production and strengthen food security.
Israel Pledges Continued Support
Responding, Ambassador Freeman described Nigeria as “an amazing country” with welcoming people and reaffirmed Israel’s readiness to expand cooperation in innovation, agriculture, healthcare, education, security and skills development.
“We are more than willing to work with Nigeria. We know that after the elections, things will be a lot easier. We are committed to defence and security cooperation with Nigeria,” Freeman said.
The ambassador noted that trade between both countries, currently estimated at about $200 million annually, remains below its potential.
He expressed optimism that both nations could work together to increase investment and expand economic opportunities.
Nigeria and Israel have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, with cooperation covering areas such as agriculture, education, health, security and technology.
As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy and strengthen national development, Israeli expertise in precision farming, water conservation, cybersecurity and innovation remains an area of growing interest for deeper partnership.
