User:Aikedumanwen/Israel–Nigeria relations

Lead
Israel–Nigeria relations refers to the bilateral relations between the states of Israel and NigeriaThe Nigerian ambassador to Israel is Nart Augustine Kolo and the Israeli ambassador to Nigeria is Michael Freeman. Relations between both nations have been generally peaceful barring a period in the 1970s when Nigeria took an Anti-Israel stance to support the Palestinian cause.

History
Israel and Nigeria established diplomatic relations in 1960.

Nigeria did not exist as an independent country before 1960, as it was still under British colonial rule. However, there were some limited interactions between the region that is now Nigeria and Israel during this time.

In the early 20th century, Christian missionaries from Israel, including the Anglican and Presbyterian Churches, established missions in what is now southern Nigeria. These missionaries were involved in education and healthcare, and some of the earliest Nigerian leaders were educated at these mission schools.

During World War II, Nigerian soldiers fought alongside British troops in North Africa and the Middle East, and some Nigerian soldiers served alongside Jewish soldiers in the British Army's Jewish Brigade, which was made up of Jewish volunteers from Palestine.

After the war, Nigeria became a focus of Zionist activity, with some Jewish organizations, including the Jewish Agency, advocating for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine and seeking to cultivate support for their cause in Nigeria. Nigerian politicians and intellectuals were also involved in discussions about the future of Palestine, with some expressing sympathy for the Zionist cause.

However, it is important to note that these interactions were limited and did not constitute a formal relationship between Nigeria and Israel. It was not until after Nigeria gained independence in 1960 that the two countries established formal diplomatic relations.

Over the years, the relationship between the two countries has had its ups and downs, but there have been significant developments in recent years. There have also been controversies about a fraction of the Igbo population in Nigeria having Jewish heritage. They believe they are descendants of one of the 10 lost tribes of Israel. However, DNA test has found no linkage between Jews and the Igbos and it is theorized that this idea stemmed from the fact that the Igbos are predominantly Christians and "were looking for some psychological boost to hang on to" during and after the Biafra War.

Post 1960 Relations
After the independence of Nigeria from the British, relationship between both nations flourished.

After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, Israel was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Nigeria. The two countries began to cooperate in various areas, including trade, agriculture, education, and defense.

In the early 1960s, Israel provided Nigeria with technical assistance in agriculture, with Israeli experts helping to establish new agricultural projects and improve existing ones. Israel also helped to train Nigerian farmers and agricultural extension workers.

In the area of education, Israeli experts helped to establish new schools and improve existing ones in Nigeria. Israel also provided scholarships to Nigerian students to study in Israeli universities and technical institutes.

In the area of defense, Israel provided Nigeria with military training and equipment. In 1967, Israel helped to establish a naval base in Nigeria during the Biafra War.

During this period, Israel also provided Nigeria with technical assistance in a range of other areas, including telecommunications, water resources management, and public health.

Generally, 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 were sent to help in the development and modernization of agriculture, education, medicine and technology training. Israeli Moshe "Jerry" Beit Halevi was Nigeria's first football coach following independence. His spell reflected the close ties between Nigeria's Southern and the Western regions with Israel, alongside the tensions between Nigeria's Northern region with Israel. The coverage of his games in the press reflected the deep divisions that plagued Nigeria during the first republic. At the same time, hundreds of Nigerian farmers, experts, educators, academicians, students, doctors, community workers and engineers were trained in Israel.

Overall, the relationship between Israel and Nigeria in the period between Nigerian independence in 1960 and the outbreak of the Biafra War in 1967 was characterized by cooperation and mutual support.

Nigerian Civil War
During the Nigerian Civil War, or Biafra War, which lasted from 1967 to 1970, Israel provided some assistance to Biafra, although the extent and significance of this assistance is a matter of debate. However, both sides acquired weapons from Israel. Israel lent assistance to Biafran rebels in addition to providing humanitarian assistance to Biafra.

Israel's involvement in the Biafra War was primarily driven by two factors: its strategic interests in Africa and its sympathy for the Biafran cause. In the years leading up to the war, Israel had been seeking to expand its influence in Africa, in part to counter the influence of Arab states that were hostile to Israel. Nigeria, which was then the largest and most populous country in Africa, was seen as a key target for Israeli outreach.

At the same time, Israel sympathized with the Biafran cause, which was rooted in ethnic and regional grievances. Biafra, which was led by Lieutenant Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, sought to secede from Nigeria and form an independent state for the Igbo people, who felt marginalized and discriminated against by the Nigerian government. Israel, which had itself fought for independence from British colonial rule, saw parallels between Biafra's struggle and its own.

Israeli support for Biafra took various forms, including the provision of arms, ammunition, and military training. Some Israeli officials also reportedly lobbied Western governments to provide support to Biafra, and Israeli volunteers served as pilots and medical personnel in Biafra's air force and hospitals.

The extent and significance of Israel's role in the Biafra War remain a subject of controversy. Some scholars and commentators argue that Israel played a crucial role in sustaining Biafra's resistance and prolonging the conflict, while others argue that Israel's assistance was limited and had little impact on the outcome of the war. Ultimately, Biafra was defeated by the Nigerian government in 1970, and the conflict claimed the lives of an estimated 2 million people.

Yom Kippur War and Aftermath
After the Yom Kippur War in 1973, Nigeria severed diplomatic ties with Israel. Diplomatic relations were later restored in September 1992.

Nigeria did not play a significant role in the Yom Kippur War, which was a conflict that took place in 1973 between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria.

At the time, Nigeria was focused on its own internal affairs, having recently emerged from a devastating civil war that had claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Nigeria was also playing a leading role in the African Union and was focused on promoting unity and stability on the African continent. While Nigeria did not directly participate in the Yom Kippur War, it did express support for the Arab states and called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. In October 1973, the Nigerian government issued a statement condemning Israeli aggression and calling for an immediate cease-fire.

In the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War in 1973, Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African countries ended diplomatic relations with Israel. This decision was motivated by several factors, including the impact of the global oil crisis, offers of cheaper oil from Arab states, and political pressure resulting from a resolution passed by the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which urged member states to sever ties with Israel. Furthermore, Nigeria, under the military government of General Yakubu Gowon, adopted an anti-Israeli stance. This was partly due to Nigeria's support for the Palestinian cause and partly due to tensions between the Nigerian government and the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad, which was suspected of carrying out covert operations in Nigeria.

In 1972, Nigeria closed its embassy in Tel Aviv and expelled the Israeli ambassador, and in 1973, Nigeria voted in favor of a United Nations resolution recognizing the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the representative of the Palestinian people.

In the years that followed, however, Nigeria's relationship with Israel improved, and the two countries resumed diplomatic relations in 1992. Since then, there have been occasional strains in the relationship, particularly over issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Nigeria was among the countries that voted in favor of a draft resolution presented to the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to grant Palestine the status of a "Non-Member Observer State" at the UN. Out of 188 countries, 138 voted in favor of the resolution.

In 2018, Nigeria voted in favor of a United Nations resolution condemning the United States' decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This was seen as a departure from Nigeria's traditionally pro-Israel stance and sparked some diplomatic tension between the two countries.

Despite these occasional tensions, Nigeria and Israel have continued to maintain diplomatic relations and have cooperated in various areas, including agriculture, defense, education, healthcare, and technology.

Since April 1993, Israel has maintained an embassy in Abuja and Nigeria has an embassy in Tel Aviv. Over fifty Israeli 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. Trade and commerce are promoted by the Israeli Export and International Cooperation Institute, the Nigerian-Israeli Chamber of Commerce (NICC) and the Israel-Africa Chamber of Commerce.

Post 2000s
Since the year 2000, Israel-Nigeria relations have continued to be multifaceted, with cooperation in various areas including agriculture, defense, education, healthcare, and technology.

One notable development in Israel-Nigeria relations was the establishment of the Israel-Nigeria Binational Commission in 2004. The commission, which meets periodically, provides a framework for high-level dialogue and cooperation between the two countries on a range of issues.

In 2006, a Nigerian-Israeli Business Forum was inaugurated in Abuja. That year, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in which Israel and Nigeria agreed to consult on issues of bilateral relations and other regional and international issues of mutual interest. The first round of consultations took place in Jerusalem in November 2006.

In recent years, there has been an emphasis on increasing trade and investment between Israel and Nigeria. In 2016, for example, Israel and Nigeria signed a bilateral agreement aimed at boosting trade and investment in sectors such as agriculture, water management, and technology.

In the area of defense, Israel has been a major supplier of military equipment and training to Nigeria. In 2015, Israel provided assistance to Nigeria in its fight against the Boko Haram insurgency, and since then, the two countries have continued to cooperate on counterterrorism and defense issues. In 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan became the first Nigerian President to visit the State of Israel. He had gone on a pilgrimage and signed bilateral air service agreements with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to the Nigerian ambassador to Israel, Solel Boneh, an Israeli construction company, is a household word in parts of Nigeria.

In June 2014 during the kidnapping of Israeli teens, before they were found murdered, Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan wrote to Israel's Netanyahu: "... I assure you that we are in solidarity with you, as we believe that any act of terrorism against any nation or group is an act against our common humanity. We unequivocally condemn this dastardly act, and demand that the children are released unconditionally by their abductors."

In the area of healthcare, Israel has provided medical training and expertise to Nigerian healthcare professionals, and in 2017, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at improving cooperation on health-related issues.

Economic Relations
The economic relationship between Nigeria and Israel has been relatively modest but has shown signs of growth in recent years. Historically, the trade relationship between the two countries has been dominated by Nigeria's exports of oil and Israel's exports of machinery and high-tech products.

In recent years, there has been a push to diversify the economic relationship between Nigeria and Israel. In 2016, the two countries signed a bilateral agreement aimed at boosting trade and investment in sectors such as agriculture, water management, and technology. The agreement was designed to encourage Israeli companies to invest in Nigeria and to promote the exchange of expertise and technology between the two countries.

In the area of agriculture, Israeli companies have been involved in a number of projects in Nigeria, including the establishment of greenhouses and the introduction of drip irrigation systems. These initiatives have helped to increase agricultural productivity and improve food security in Nigeria.

In the area of technology, there has been growing cooperation between Nigerian and Israeli tech firms. In 2019, for example, a delegation of Nigerian tech entrepreneurs visited Israel to participate in the DLD Innovation Festival, which is a major event in the Israeli tech industry.

In 2023, bilateral trade hit an all time high of 250 million dollars between both nations.

Contemporary Issues and Collaborations
Israel and Nigeria have a relatively limited cultural relationship, and the relationship between Israeli and Nigerian people is complex and multifaceted. While there are certainly differences in culture, language, and religion between the two groups, there have also been instances of cooperation and collaboration.

One area where there has been cultural exchange between the two countries is in the field of music. Israeli musicians have performed in Nigeria, and Nigerian musicians have also performed in Israel. In 2013, for example, the Nigerian musician Femi Kuti performed at the Red Sea Jazz Festival in Eilat, Israel.

One area where Israelis and Nigerians have worked together is in the field of agriculture. Israeli experts have provided technical assistance to Nigerian farmers, helping to improve agricultural productivity and increase food security. This has involved both Israeli experts traveling to Nigeria and Nigerian farmers traveling to Israel to receive training.

As of March 29, 2023, Israel and Nigeria have agreed to allow direct flights for the first time between Tel Aviv and Lagos.

However, there have also been instances of tension between Israeli and Nigerian people. For example, there have been reports of discrimination against Nigerian migrants in Israel, and there have been protests in Nigeria against Israeli policies in the Palestinian territories.

Covid 19
In 2021, Israel provided Nigeria with medical supplies, including test kits and protective equipment, to help the country in its response to the pandemic. The Israeli embassy in Nigeria also organized a virtual seminar for Nigerian healthcare workers on how to manage COVID-19 patients.

There has also been some collaboration between Nigerian and Israeli researchers in the area of COVID-19. In June 2020, for example, the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Israeli Institute for Biological Research (IIBR) to collaborate on research into COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.

In addition, Nigerian and Israeli tech companies have worked together on developing digital tools to help fight the pandemic. In May 2020, Nigerian fintech company Flutterwave partnered with Israeli digital health startup Covi-ID to develop a digital health passport that could help to facilitate safe travel during the pandemic.

Public Perceptions
Public perceptions of Israel by Nigerians are diverse and complex. There are different perspectives on Israel that depend on various factors, such as religion, politics, and personal experiences.

Nigeria has a significant Christian population, and for many Nigerian Christians, Israel is seen as a holy land and a symbol of their faith. As a result, many Nigerian Christians have a positive view of Israel and its people, and some even undertake pilgrimage to the country.

On the other hand, there are also Nigerians who hold negative views of Israel, particularly with regards to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Some Nigerians sympathize with the plight of the Palestinians and view Israel as an aggressor that violates human rights.

In recent years, there have also been incidents that have strained the relationship between the two countries, such as the detention of some Nigerian students in Israel for alleged visa violations, which generated negative publicity in Nigeria.

See also[edit]

 * History of the Jews in Nigeria
 * International recognition of Israel

References[edit]
Category:Wikipedia Student Program