Nigeria and Israel have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening diplomatic and strategic relations, with fresh talks centered on security collaboration, healthcare support, technology exchange and expanded economic cooperation.
The renewed engagement was underscored during a courtesy visit by Israeli Ambassador Michael Freeman to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja.
Discussions covered defence and intelligence sharing, economic partnerships, consular issues, religious tourism, and broader bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
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Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that Nigeria could benefit significantly from Israel’s expertise in border security management, especially as the country intensifies efforts to curb insurgency, terrorism and cross-border criminal activities.
She emphasized that activating the Nigeria–Israel Joint Commission would provide a more structured framework for sustained collaboration.
A key highlight of the engagement was Israel’s pledge to donate about 60 fully equipped ambulances to strengthen Nigeria’s emergency response system.
The minister described the donation as timely, pointing to ongoing challenges facing first responders and emergency healthcare services.
She added that the initiative could help institutionalize a stronger ambulance and rapid-response culture nationwide.
The latest talks build on a Political Dialogue held in Abuja on August 11, 2025, between Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Miriam Haskel-Harpaz.
Both parties agreed that terrorism and insecurity are global threats requiring coordinated international action, and pledged to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence exchange, surveillance financing and security training.
Nigeria’s growing engagement with Israel forms part of a broader strategy to diversify its global security partnerships.
Nigeria has also strengthened defence coordination with the United States and expanded military procurement and drone partnerships with Turkey as it seeks to modernize its capabilities in response to evolving threats.
Analysts say the expanding web of international security agreements reflects both urgency and strategic recalibration.
While the partnerships signal increased global backing, their effectiveness will ultimately depend on implementation, institutional reform and sustained political will as Nigeria confronts complex and persistent security challenges.
