Bilateral relations

Israel, the world’s only Jewish State, is a small country approximately the size of Niger State, with a population of just over 9 million people. Whilst 80% of our population is Jewish, Israel is also the multiethnic and multicultural home to many Muslims, Christians, Druze and other minorities.

Israel and Nigeria established diplomatic relations in 1960.

During the 1960s and early 1970s, Israel played a significant role in the development of Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. Hundreds of Israeli experts and volunteers worked in Nigeria in the development and modernization of agriculture, education, medicine and technology training. At the same time, hundreds of Nigerian farmers, experts, educators, academicians, students, doctors, community workers and engineers were trained in Israel.

Nigeria’s first football coach after independence, was an Israeli, Moshe "Jerry" Beit Halevi.

Since April 1993, Israel has maintained an embassy in Abuja and Nigeria has an embassy in Tel Aviv.

Over fifty Israeli or Israeli owned companies operate in Nigeria in the spheres of construction, infrastructure, hi-tech, communications and IT, agriculture and water management. In turn, there are over 5,000 Nigerian companies and organizations that operate in Israel.

Over the years numerous agreements and Memorandum, including in the fields of Trade and Industry, Foreign Affairs, Air Services, and numerous others.

In 2024 it is expected that even stronger bilateral ties will develop between the State of Israel and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.