NIGERIA and Israel have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in security and defence, agriculture, technology, healthcare and trade as both countries seek to deepen strategic relations.
The renewed commitment was made on Monday 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 of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Abuja.
Minister Commends Ambassador’s Tenure
Commending Freeman for what she described as a successful tour of duty, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said his tenure had further strengthened relations between Nigeria and Israel and laid 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,” the minister said.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Israel in counter-terrorism, intelligence gathering, information sharing, security financing and capacity building for security personnel.
The minister also disclosed that Nigeria was seeking Israeli expertise in border security to curb cross-border crimes and further enhance national security.
Security as Foundation for Development
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the recent rescue of the Oriire schoolchildren by Nigerian security forces as a major breakthrough in the country’s fight against insecurity, noting that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had continued to prioritise security as the foundation for national development.
“The President emphasises security everywhere he goes because you are actually going nowhere without security,” she said.
Technology and Innovation Partnership
On technology and innovation, the minister stressed the need to strengthen partnerships between Nigerian startups and Israeli technology firms, saying such collaboration could unlock enormous opportunities for both countries.
“When Nigerian ingenuity meets Israeli innovation, remarkable achievements become possible,” she said, adding that Nigeria also looked forward to leveraging Israeli technology to improve water management and boost agricultural productivity.
Ambassador Commits to Expanded Cooperation
In his remarks, Freeman reiterated Israel’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in innovation, agriculture, healthcare, security, education and skills development.
Describing Nigeria as “an amazing country” with warm and welcoming people, the envoy said sustained engagement remained essential to unlocking the full potential of relations between both countries.
“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.
Trade Volume Below Potential
The ambassador also noted that the current annual trade volume between Nigeria and Israel, estimated at about $200 million, remained below its potential. He expressed optimism that both countries would work towards significantly increasing bilateral trade in the years ahead.
The meeting marked Freeman’s farewell engagement with the Nigerian government as he rounds off his diplomatic assignment in Nigeria.
