By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria and Israel have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in security and defence, agriculture, technology, healthcare and trade as both countries seek to strengthen their long-standing diplomatic and economic relationship.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a valedictory visit by the outgoing Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Freeman, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in Abuja. 
Receiving the envoy, the Minister commended Ambassador Freeman for his efforts in advancing relations between Nigeria and Israel during his diplomatic assignment.
She reiterated Nigeria’s determination to broaden cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, particularly in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, border security, security financing and capacity building.
The Minister also underscored the need to deepen collaboration in innovation and technology by fostering stronger partnerships between Nigerian start-ups and Israeli technology companies.
She noted that Nigeria would also benefit from Israel’s expertise in water resource management and modern agricultural practices to improve food production and strengthen national food security.
Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Freeman described Nigeria as “an amazing country” with “warm and welcoming people,” stressing that sustained engagement would be crucial to unlocking the full potential of the relationship between both nations.
He reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria across several strategic sectors.
“Israel remains committed to supporting Nigeria in innovation, agriculture, healthcare, education, skills development and security,” he said.
The outgoing envoy also expressed confidence that economic relations between both countries would continue to grow, noting that bilateral trade, currently estimated at about 200 million dollars annually, has significant room for expansion.
He said stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors of both countries would help unlock new investment opportunities and drive economic growth.
Both sides expressed optimism that the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Israel will continue to flourish through enhanced cooperation in security, commerce, technology and sustainable development.
