Israel has unveiled fresh initiatives to support Nigerian entrepreneurs, farmers and healthcare services as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between both countries.
The Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, announced the initiatives in Abuja during the celebration of Israel’s 78th Independence Anniversary, saying the partnership between Nigeria and Israel would be driven by practical investments capable of improving lives and creating economic opportunities.
Freeman disclosed that Israel would sponsor a fifth cohort of an entrepreneurship programme in 2027, providing young Nigerian entrepreneurs with mentorship and opportunities to scale their businesses.
He said cooperation between the two countries was already yielding results in entrepreneurship, agriculture, healthcare, education and innovation.
‘We are expanding cooperation in innovation, agriculture, healthcare, security, education and skills development, not because these are acts of charity. They are investments in a shared future,’ he said.
Highlighting ongoing agricultural collaboration, the envoy described the sector as one of the strongest pillars of Nigeria-Israel relations, noting that vegetables distributed to guests at the event were grown by Nigerian farmers using Israeli seedlings and technology.
According to him, the initiative demonstrates how technology transfer can boost productivity, strengthen rural communities and improve food security across Nigeria.
‘As you leave this evening, you will receive a box of vegetables. These vegetables were grown from Israeli seedlings using Israeli technology, but grown by Nigerian farmers on Nigerian soil,’ Freeman said.
‘Hold that box for a moment and think about what it represents. Not vegetables, possibility. Imagine that success multiplied across Nigeria. Higher yields, stronger rural communities, greater food security, and millions upon millions of lives improved.’
In the healthcare sector, Freeman announced that Israel had donated three fully equipped ambulances to Nigeria, describing the gesture as a symbol of cooperation and a commitment to saving lives.
‘Today, I am also pleased to announce that the first three fully equipped ambulances donated by Israel are on their way to Nigeria,’ he said.
‘These ambulances will help save lives. But they are more than vehicles, they are a symbol of partnership. They are a symbol of what can happen when countries choose cooperation over division and solutions over slogans.’
The ambassador also reiterated Israel’s commitment to peace in the Middle East, recalling the vision of Israel’s founding leaders and urging greater regional cooperation.
He said agreements such as the Abraham Accords had demonstrated the benefits of peaceful engagement, while expressing concern over continued instability in the region.
‘The people of Israel deserve peace. The people of Lebanon deserve peace. The people of the entire Middle East deserve peace,’ Freeman said.
‘It is time to stop allowing Iran and other extremists and outside actors to hold the future of our region hostage. Let the people of the Middle East choose cooperation over conflict, prosperity over violence, hope over hatred.’
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, congratulated Israel on its 78th Independence Anniversary and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to stronger bilateral ties.
Musawa said both countries share common values centred on innovation, creativity and development, adding that Nigeria’s growing creative economy offers significant opportunities for collaboration with Israel in technology, culture and innovation.
She noted that cultural exchange remains a powerful instrument for strengthening international relations and creating economic opportunities for citizens of both countries.
The minister expressed confidence that relations between Nigeria and Israel would continue to grow through increased cooperation, innovation and people-to-people engagement.