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Nigeria and Israel have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in security, technology, agriculture, healthcare and trade.
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Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria is seeking Israeli expertise in counter-terrorism, intelligence and border security.
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Nigeria’s new Ambassador to Israel, Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu, has formally assumed office, pledging to strengthen bilateral ties.
August 4, (THEWILL) — Nigeria and Israel have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, with both countries identifying security, technology, trade, agriculture and healthcare as priority areas for deeper engagement.
The renewed commitment was made during the valedictory visit of the outgoing Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said both countries agreed to expand collaboration in critical sectors capable of driving economic growth and improving security.
Nigeria seeks stronger security cooperation
Commending Freeman for his tenure, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said he had strengthened relations between both countries and created a solid foundation for his successor.
“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,” she said.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Israel in counter-terrorism, intelligence gathering, information sharing, security financing and capacity building for security personnel.
She also said Nigeria is interested in Israeli expertise in border security to help tackle cross-border crimes and improve national security.
According to her, the Tinubu administration considers security central to economic development.
“The President emphasises security everywhere he goes because you are actually going nowhere without security,” she stated.
Focus on innovation and trade
Beyond security, the minister stressed the importance of building stronger partnerships between Nigerian startups and Israeli technology firms.
“When Nigerian ingenuity meets Israeli innovation, remarkable achievements become possible,” she said, adding that Nigeria also hopes to leverage Israeli technology to improve water management and agricultural productivity.
Freeman reaffirmed Israel’s readiness to expand cooperation with Nigeria in innovation, agriculture, healthcare, security, education and skills development.
He described Nigeria as “an amazing country” with warm and welcoming people and said stronger engagement would unlock the full potential of bilateral relations.
The envoy also noted that annual trade between both countries, estimated at about $200 million, remains below its potential and expressed optimism that both sides would significantly increase trade in the coming years.
New envoy assumes office
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Israel, Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu, has presented her Letters of Credence to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, formally assuming office as Nigeria’s envoy to the country.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ufochukwu pledged to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, technology, security, innovation and cultural exchanges while advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
The ministry expressed confidence that her appointment would further consolidate the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Israel while creating new opportunities for bilateral cooperation and sustainable development.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
