Minister Pushes for Nigeria-Israel Joint Commission to Boost Security, Agriculture

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, has called for the immediate take-off of the Nigeria-Israel Joint Commission to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.

Speaking during a meeting with the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, she emphasized that the commission would serve as a vital platform to drive cooperation in critical sectors such as security, agriculture, and technology.

The Minister highlighted Israel’s global reputation in counter-terrorism and expressed Nigeria’s desire to benefit from Israeli expertise to tackle domestic security challenges and food insecurity through advanced irrigation technology.

Ambassador Freeman noted that while trade between the two countries stood at $250 million before recent conflicts, there is significant potential for growth. He reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development through mentorship and knowledge transfer.

A key area of interest identified was the film industry, with the Minister seeking collaborations between Nollywood and the Israeli film sector to expand cultural exchange and economic opportunities.

Both parties agreed to work toward a high-level dialogue in Abuja to finalize the commission’s framework. The initiative is expected to create a structured path for long-term strategic partnership and mutual economic benefits.