• Current annual trade volume between Nigeria and Israel stands at about $200 million.
Nigeria and Israel have shown their commitments to strengthening bilateral cooperation between both countries.
According to statement by the Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, both countries are looking at security, defence, agriculture, food security, technology, innovation and healthcare as some of the areas that should be prioritised.
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.
Commending the ambassador for his successful tour of duty, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu said his tenure had further strengthened relations between the two countries 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 critical areas such as counter-terrorism, intelligence gathering, information sharing, security financing and capacity building for security personnel.
According to the minister, Nigeria is also seeking Israeli expertise in border security to curb cross-border crimes and enhance national security.
She described the recent rescue of the Oriire schoolchildren by Nigerian security forces as a watershed moment in the country’s fight against insecurity, noting that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has 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 stated.
On innovation and technology, the minister underscored the need to strengthen partnerships between Nigerian startups and Israeli technology firms.
“When Nigerian ingenuity meets Israeli innovation, remarkable achievements become possible,” she said, adding that Nigeria also looks forward to leveraging Israeli technology to improve water management and boost agricultural productivity.
His remarks, Ambassador 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 the relationship between both nations.
“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 also noted that the current annual trade volume between Nigeria and Israel, estimated at about $200 million, remains below its potential and expressed optimism that both countries would work towards significantly increasing bilateral trade in the years ahead.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Israel, Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu, has presented her Letters of Credence to the President of the State of Israel, His Excellency Isaac Herzog.
A statement by Ebienfa stated that Ufochukwu presented her letter on Monday 3 August 2026, at an official ceremony in Jerusalem.
The presentation of the Letters of Credence formally marks the commencement of Ambassador Ufochukwu’s diplomatic assignment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the State of Israel and reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to further strengthening the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and Israel.
Ebienfa quoted the Ambassador to have promised to deepen relations between both countries
“Speaking after the ceremony, Ambassador Ufochukwu expressed her determination to deepen bilateral cooperation between both countries during her tenure. She reiterated her commitment to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and fostering closer engagement with Israel in areas of mutual interest.
“The Ambassador noted that her mission would prioritise the expansion of cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture, technology, security, innovation and cultural exchanges, while promoting stronger people-to-people ties for the mutual benefit of both nations,”.the statement reads in part.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is confident that Ambassador Ufochukwu’s appointment will further consolidate the strategic partnership between Nigeria and Israel and create new opportunities for enhanced bilateral cooperation and sustainable development.
