The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, reiterated Nigeria’s position during a courtesy visit by Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, at Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr. Magnus Eze, talks covered defence and intelligence cooperation, economic partnerships, consular matters, religious tourism, and broader bilateral and multilateral relations.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria stands to benefit from Israel’s expertise in border security management, particularly as the country intensifies efforts to combat insurgency, terrorism, and cross-border crimes. She noted that cooperation would gain stronger structure if the Nigeria–Israel Joint Commission is fully operationalised.
“These kinds of initiatives are very significant because we have challenges regarding first responders. For me, this is just the beginning of integrating an ambulance culture in Nigeria,” she said.
Nigeria deepens global security partnerships amid rising threats
The renewed engagement follows a Political Dialogue held in Abuja on August 11, 2025, between Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Miriam Haskel-Harpaz.
Both sides described terrorism and insecurity as global concerns requiring collective support and agreed to deepen collaboration in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, surveillance financing, and security training.
The talks come as Nigeria expands security cooperation with key partners, including the United States and Turkey, as part of efforts to modernise its defence capabilities.
Analysts say Nigeria’s growing network of security agreements reflects both urgency and strategic diversification.
While these partnerships signal stronger international backing, their impact will depend on effective implementation and sustained institutional reform as Nigeria confronts complex security challenges.
