*Photo R-L: Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu and Ambassador of the State of Israel to Nigeria, Michael Freeman*
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to constructive engagement and sustained diplomatic dialogue with the State of Israel as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and advance mutually beneficial cooperation.
She made this known when she received in audience, the Ambassador of the State of Israel to Nigeria, His Excellency, Michael Freeman, on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
Discussions during the meeting focused on Nigeria–Israel relations, regional developments in the Middle East, multilateral cooperation, and opportunities for expanded collaboration in strategic sectors.
Ambassador Odumegwu Ojukwu emphasized the importance of dialogue, mutual understanding, and high-level engagements in promoting stronger bilateral ties between both countries. She reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to continue engaging with Israel on issues of shared interest and global concern, while noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained open to dialogue and constructive engagement with Israeli leadership.
The Israeli Ambassador congratulated the Minister on her appointment and conveyed a congratulatory message from the Israeli Foreign Minister, alongside an invitation for the Minister to undertake an official visit to Israel. Ambassador Freeman underscored the longstanding cordial relations between both countries and stressed the need to revive high-level official exchanges between Nigeria and Israel.
Both sides discussed recent developments in the Middle East, including the security situation in Israel and ongoing regional tensions.
Ambassador Freeman briefed the Minister on the humanitarian and security implications of the conflict and expressed hope for peaceful resolutions and greater regional cooperation.
The meeting also highlighted prospects for enhanced cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, innovation, technology, and security.