Nigeria’s Ambassador to Israel, Nkechi Ufochukwu, has reaffirmed her commitment to deepening bilateral trade ties between Nigeria and Israel, describing the move as a central pillar of her diplomatic agenda.
Speaking at a forum in Abuja over the weekend, Ufochukwu said strengthening the trade agreement between the two countries remains a top priority, with plans to expand cooperation in culture, agriculture, investment, cybersecurity, and information technology.
“My main point and plan are to strengthen the trade agreement between the two countries,” she said. “I will put in my best in what is required of me to do the work which has been given to me; let us keep communication open and get the work done.”
The ambassador’s remarks come amid calls from stakeholders for Nigeria to address structural barriers to business growth and formalise its economic relationship with Israel. While trade between the two countries exists, participants at the forum noted that much of it operates on an informal, person-to-person basis rather than through structured government-to-government agreements.
Pastor Henry Opara, a forum participant, stressed the need for formal bilateral frameworks. “What we have now is more of person-to-person business relationships, which is not ideal. With proper bilateral agreements, it becomes government-to-government engagement guided by laid-down rules,” he said.
Florence Osuji, National Coordinator of the Nigeria-Israel Business Forum (NIBF), echoed the call for renewed official trade agreements, noting that existing arrangements have lapsed and current trade lacks formal backing.
Oseagha Solomon, another participant, contrasted Israel’s enabling business environment—marked by clear regulations, reliable power supply, and strong institutional trust—with Nigeria’s high-potential but high-friction economy. “Entrepreneurs battle unstable power, policy inconsistencies, foreign exchange volatility, and costly financing,” he said.
With the ambassador’s renewed focus on trade, stakeholders are hopeful that Nigeria and Israel can move beyond informal ties to establish a structured, mutually beneficial economic partnership that leverages both countries’ strengths in innovation, agriculture, and technology.
