By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria and the Israel are exploringr deeper strategic cooperation across defence, healthcare, agriculture, technology and innovation.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations during a courtesy visit by the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, at Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja.
According to the minister, Nigeria is particularly interested in learning from Israel’s experience in border security management, especially amid ongoing efforts to combat insurgency and terrorism.
She noted that enhanced collaboration would be more effective with the operationalisation of the Nigeria Israel Joint Commission, which is expected to provide a structured framework for cooperation.
Focus on Border Security, Innovation and Health
Discussions between both officials covered defence and intelligence cooperation, economic relations, consular issues, religious tourism, as well as bilateral and multilateral engagement.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also welcomed Israel’s plan to donate between 50 and 60 fully equipped ambulances to Nigeria, describing the initiative as timely given the country’s challenges with emergency response systems.
“These kinds of initiatives are very significant because we have a problem regarding first responders. For me, it’s just the beginning of integrating ambulance culture in Nigeria,” she said.
Ambassador Freeman confirmed that arrangements were already underway with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health for the phased delivery of the ambulances, beginning with three or four units. He added that Israel would also provide training for personnel who will operate them.
“We want to donate 50–60 ambulances to Nigeria. This is a significant package to save lives,” Freeman stated.
Agriculture and Food Security
The Israeli envoy further indicated that Israel’s agricultural technology would be made available to Nigeria to support food security initiatives, an area both countries identified as critical to sustainable development.
Building on Previous Engagements
The renewed push for cooperation follows earlier diplomatic engagements, including a Political Dialogue held in Abuja in August 2025 between Nigeria and Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Miriam Haskel-Harpaz.
At that meeting, both sides emphasised the need for closer collaboration in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, border management technology, innovation, capacity building, culture, tourism and agriculture.
They also agreed on strengthening dialogue through regular official visits and exchange programmes.
Both countries reiterated their shared view that security and terrorism remain global concerns requiring coordinated international cooperation.
The latest engagement signals continued efforts by both governments to consolidate diplomatic, security and economic ties in areas of mutual strategic interest.
