Nigeria don reaffirm its commitment to stronger diplomatic and economic relations with Israel as government officials joined the commemoration of the 78th Independence Anniversary of the State of Israel.
The engagement provide opportunity for discussions with the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, who hosted the anniversary event. During the occasion, a congratulatory letter from Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, was also presented to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs following his assumption of office.
Officials noted that Nigeria and Israel share a long history of cooperation dating back to the late 1950s, the 1960s and early 1970s. During that period, Israel partnered with Nigeria in key sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare and technology development.
According to historical records, hundreds of Israeli experts and volunteers worked in Nigeria to support development programmes, while many Nigerians received training in Israel across different professional fields.
One of the notable figures in the early relationship between both countries was Moshe ‘Jerry’ Beit Halevi, an Israeli who became Nigeria’s first football coach after independence.
Today, economic cooperation between both nations continues to grow. More than 50 Israeli-owned companies reportedly operate in Nigeria across sectors including construction, infrastructure, telecommunications, information technology, agriculture and water management.
Similarly, thousands of Nigerian businesses and organisations maintain active commercial relationships with Israeli partners through agricultural exports, technology partnerships, innovation programmes and religious travel services.
Officials also highlighted the role of the Nigerian-Israeli Chamber of Commerce and the Israel-Africa Chamber of Commerce in promoting trade and investment between both countries.
The renewed commitment comes as Nigeria seeks to deepen international partnerships that can support economic growth, innovation, technology transfer and sustainable development.
