Nigeria and the State of Israel have reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, emphasizing a strategic partnership across key sectors including security, defense, intelligence, health, technology, agriculture, and economic cooperation.
The announcement follows a high-level courtesy visit by Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Michael Freeman, to Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja.
During the meeting, both sides highlighted the enduring nature of Nigeria-Israel ties and expressed determination to build a more robust relationship through continuous dialogue and practical collaboration.
Discussions covered defense and intelligence cooperation, economic relations, consular matters, religious tourism, border security management, and enhanced engagement at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu restated Nigeria’s eagerness to deepen ties, particularly in areas where Israel’s expertise can support national priorities.
She noted the potential for significant gains in health cooperation and border security, given ongoing challenges, and stressed the importance of operationalizing the Nigeria-Israel Joint Commission to make such partnerships more effective.
Ambassador Freeman conveyed Israel’s strong interest in elevating the relationship, describing it as strategic in light of Nigeria’s position as Africa’s most populous nation and a key player on the continent.
He emphasized Israel’s readiness to share advanced agricultural technologies to bolster Nigeria’s food security efforts, alongside innovations in technology, water management, and other fields.
The renewed momentum builds on prior engagements, including the comprehensive Political Dialogue held in Abuja on August 11, 2025, between Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Israel’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sharren Miriam Haskel-Harpaz.
That meeting produced a joint communiqué underscoring mutual dedication to counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, innovation, and economic development.
Both nations reiterated that this strategic partnership is anchored in shared interests, mutual respect, and a vision for sustainable progress. They look forward to advancing concrete initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to the peoples of Nigeria and Israel.