The Early Years

Israel’s ties with Nigeria - the most populated country in Africa - date from the late 1950s, since the early days of its pre-independence period. After Nigerian independence in 1960, full diplomatic relations were established between the two countries. These ties were an expression of the affinity with Israel, itself a young state that had achieved independence in 1948 and was eager to share its experience and expertise with the newly independent African state.

During the 1960s and early 1970s, Israel played a unique and significant role in the development of Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. As part of the Israeli government's African policy, designed by Foreign Minister Golda Meir (who later became Israel's Prime Minister), hundreds of Israeli experts and volunteers were sent to help in the continent's development and modernization of agriculture, educational network, medical institutions and technological training programmes. Hundreds of Nigerian farmers, experts, educators, academicians, students, doctors, community workers and engineers were trained in Israel. Top level ministerial meetings of both countries were held and friendly relations, beneficial to both peoples, were developed.

Mutually beneficial economic ties were also developed, including many joint ventures. Major Israeli companies and private entrepreneurs became involved in Nigeria's development and had a share in many of Nigeria's most significant national projects.

1973-1992: the Severing of Diplomatic Relations

In the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War in 1973, followed by the global oil crisis, most of the Sub-Saharan countries severed diplomatic ties with Israel, due to two prime factors: promises of cheap oil and financial aid and compliance with the OAU (Organization of African Unity) resolution, sponsored by Arab countries, calling for the severing of relations with Israel. Nigeria was among these countries, and consequently, official cooperation and development projects between Nigeria and Israel were strangled.

Commercial ties did, however, continue to some extent. Nigerian students participated in training courses in Israel; and Israeli consultants and experts were active throughout the country.

Restoring the Cordial Relations

Diplomatic relations were finally restored in September 1992, and in April 1993 a Nigerian Embassy was opened in Israel for the first time.

Israeli-Nigerian relations have since become warm and firm, as expressed in reciprocal visits by high-level government officials and the intensive exchange of technical and professional knowledge through MASHAV (the Israeli Centre for International Cooperation) programmes. Economic and commercial relations between the countries are also thriving, as more and more Israeli companies from various sectors are attracted to invest in Nigeria.

In 2006 the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which formalized the bilateral consultations on political issues between the two countries. Under the initiative, Israel and Nigeria agreed to consult on issues of bilateral relations and other regional and international issues of mutual interest, as well as to exchange view on matters of mutual concerns.

A first round of bilateral consultations under the agreement was held in Jerusalem in November 2006.

Currently, discussions between the two Governments are being held on a bilateral agreement on the Protection of Investments and on an agreement for Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture. Similarly, discussions on an Aviation agreement are at their final phase. These will add to the already existing agreement on cooperation in the Cultural field.

The strengthening of political and economic ties coincides with the tightening relations between the peoples of Israel and Nigeria at all levels. The constant increase in the number of Nigerians who visit Israel yearly for Pilgrimage, business and tourism contributes immensely to these developing relations. Both governments encourage their nationals to enjoy the good relations between the countries and are working together to expand the beneficial interactions between Israelis and Nigerians.