ABUJA, Nigeria – Israel has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening agricultural cooperation with Nigeria, highlighting the growing use of Israeli technology and seedlings by Nigerian farmers while announcing new investments in entrepreneurship, healthcare and innovation.

Speaking during Israel’s 78th Independence Anniversary celebration in Abuja, Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, said agricultural collaboration between the two countries is already delivering results through the adoption of Israeli farming technologies and improved crop varieties.

Agricultural Cooperation Gains Momentum

Freeman noted that Israeli companies are actively working with Nigerian farmers to improve agricultural productivity and food security.

According to the ambassador, vegetables showcased during the event were grown from Israeli seedlings using Israeli technology while being cultivated by Nigerian farmers on Nigerian soil.

He said the partnership demonstrates the potential for higher agricultural yields, stronger rural economies and improved food security across Nigeria.

“These vegetables represent possibility,” Freeman said, adding that scaling such initiatives could significantly boost agricultural output and livelihoods across the country.

Focus on Food Security and Innovation

The ambassador emphasized that cooperation between Israel and Nigeria extends beyond agriculture into sectors including innovation, healthcare, education, security and skills development.

He described these initiatives as long-term investments aimed at fostering economic growth and strengthening bilateral relations.

Israel is widely recognised for its expertise in agricultural technologies, including drip irrigation, precision farming and water management systems, innovations that have helped transform farming in arid environments.

Nigeria, with its vast agricultural resources and growing population, is increasingly seeking technological solutions to improve productivity and reduce food insecurity.

Support for Entrepreneurs and Healthcare

Freeman also announced the continuation of Israel’s entrepreneurship development programme in Nigeria.

The initiative, known as the Israel Forum for African Research and Entrepreneurship (IFARE), supports young Nigerian entrepreneurs through mentorship, training and business development opportunities.

The ambassador confirmed that a fifth cohort of the programme will be launched in 2027.

In addition, Israel has donated three fully equipped ambulances to Nigeria to strengthen emergency healthcare services.

The vehicles are currently being shipped to Nigeria and are expected to support emergency response efforts where rapid medical intervention is critical.

Freeman described the ambulances as a symbol of cooperation and practical partnership between the two nations.

Building on Shared Opportunities

The ambassador said Israel’s own development journey—from a resource-constrained nation to a global leader in innovation, technology and agriculture—demonstrates the importance of turning challenges into opportunities.

He highlighted Israel’s achievements in desert agriculture, water desalination, medical technology, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence as examples of how innovation can drive economic transformation.

Freeman said Nigeria’s youthful population, entrepreneurial spirit and agricultural potential position the country for significant future growth.

“When Nigerian creativity meets Israeli innovation, extraordinary things happen,” he said.

Nigeria Reaffirms Bilateral Relations

Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture and Tourism, Hannatu Musawa, congratulated Israel on its 78th Independence Anniversary and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

Musawa described the relationship between the two countries as one built on cooperation, economic development and shared interests.

She said Nigeria is eager to expand collaboration with Israel in agriculture, tourism, culture, innovation and the creative economy.

The minister added that cultural diplomacy remains an important tool for promoting trade, investment, education and people-to-people exchanges between nations.

Expanding Strategic Cooperation

As both countries seek to deepen economic ties, agriculture is expected to remain a central pillar of cooperation, particularly in areas such as irrigation technology, crop productivity, agribusiness development and food security.

The latest announcements underscore growing efforts by Nigeria and Israel to leverage innovation, technology and knowledge-sharing to support sustainable economic development and create opportunities for future generations.