The State of Israel has announced the expansion of its cooperation with Nigeria in agriculture, healthcare, innovation, and other key sectors, noting that Israeli technology and seedlings are already being used by Nigerian farmers.

The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, made this known in Abuja on Monday night during celebrations marking Israel’s 78th Independence Anniversary.

He said Israeli companies are currently operating in Nigeria, adding that the partnership combines Israeli agricultural technology with Nigerian land and labour to improve food production and rural development.

According to him, the collaboration is designed to strengthen food security and boost agricultural output across the country.

“When it comes to agriculture, Israeli companies are already working in Nigeria today. These vegetables were grown from Israeli seedlings using Israeli technology but cultivated by Nigerian farmers on Nigerian soil,” he said.

He described the initiative as more than agricultural cooperation, calling it a symbol of opportunity and shared progress between both nations.

Freeman also announced new commitments under the partnership, including the launch of a fifth cohort of an entrepreneurship programme scheduled for 2027, as well as the donation of three fully equipped ambulances to Nigeria.

He said the ambulances are already on their way and are expected to support emergency healthcare services where timely response is critical.

“These ambulances will help save lives where every minute counts. They are more than vehicles; they are a symbol of partnership and cooperation,” he said.

The ambassador added that Israel and Nigeria were expanding collaboration in innovation, agriculture, healthcare, security, education, and skills development, describing the initiatives as long-term investments in a shared future rather than acts of charity.

He also highlighted Israel’s own development journey, noting how the country transformed environmental and security challenges into opportunities for technological advancement.

Freeman said Israel overcame limited natural resources by investing in innovation, including drip irrigation, precision agriculture, seawater desalination, and advancements in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

He added that Nigeria possesses significant potential due to its large youthful population, entrepreneurial spirit, and vast agricultural resources, saying stronger collaboration could unlock greater achievements for both countries.

The Israel-supported IFARE programme, he noted, has continued to support young Nigerian entrepreneurs through mentorship and business development initiatives.

Also speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture and Tourism, Hannatu Musawa, congratulated Israel on its independence anniversary and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

She described Nigeria–Israel relations as longstanding and rooted in cooperation, cultural exchange, and economic partnership.

Musawa said Nigeria is eager to deepen collaboration with Israel in culture, tourism, agriculture, innovation, and the creative economy, noting that cultural diplomacy remains a powerful tool for fostering international relations and mutual development.