Nigeria moves to deepen bilateral ties with Algeria, Israel, Czech Republic, Côte d’Ivoire

Africa, Europe-Asia, Middle East, Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has intensified diplomatic engagements with several countries, including Algeria, Israel, the Czech Republic, and Côte d’Ivoire, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation, expand trade, improve security collaboration, and drive economic development.

The renewed diplomatic push was disclosed in a series of press statements issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following separate meetings between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and envoys from the respective countries in Abuja.

Nigeria, Algeria Strengthen Strategic Partnership

During talks with the Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in infrastructure, transportation, trade, education, parliamentary exchanges, military collaboration, and regional security.

The Algerian envoy disclosed that the Third Steering Committee Meeting on the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline Project would be held in June 2026 with participation from Nigeria, Algeria, and the Niger Republic.

He also revealed that Air Algérie was considering extending its operations to Lagos following the launch of the Algiers-Abuja route in 2025.

According to the ambassador, Algeria has also expanded scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students in higher education and technical training programmes, with more than 130 Nigerians reportedly benefiting between 2025 and 2026.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project, describing it as strategically important to African economic integration and regional development under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Nigeria, Israel Seek Expanded Cooperation

In a separate meeting, the Foreign Affairs Minister received the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, where discussions focused on strengthening diplomatic relations, agriculture, healthcare, innovation, security, and technology cooperation.

The minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to sustained diplomatic engagement and constructive dialogue with Israel while noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained open to dialogue with the Israeli leadership.

The Israeli envoy congratulated Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her appointment and extended an invitation for an official visit to Israel.

Discussions also covered developments in the Middle East, humanitarian concerns, and multilateral cooperation involving the United Nations and the World Health Organisation.

Both sides identified opportunities for stronger collaboration in agriculture, medical innovation, healthcare support, technology, and food security.

Czech Republic Expands Developmental Engagements

The Minister also hosted the Czech Ambassador to Nigeria, Tomas Vyrachticky, who reaffirmed his country’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in agriculture, healthcare, industrialisation, renewable energy, education, and technology transfer.

The Czech envoy described Nigeria as a strategic partner with immense economic and political potential within Sub-Saharan Africa.

Officials of the Czech Embassy highlighted ongoing development and commercial projects across several Nigerian states, including Taraba, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Plateau, Lagos, Rivers, and Zamfara.

Particular reference was made to the supply of nearly 1,000 specially designed tractors and agricultural equipment to Taraba State in 2024 to support mechanised farming and improve agricultural productivity.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu proposed the strengthening of institutional cooperation frameworks, including the establishment of a Joint Commission mechanism to coordinate engagements in trade, agriculture, defence, education, technology, and industrial development.

Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire Push Regional Integration

The Foreign Minister also met with the Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria, Kalilou Touré, where both countries agreed to deepen cooperation aimed at promoting regional development and stability within West Africa.

Discussions focused on trade, investment, industrial development, security, migration, culture, and consular affairs.

Both countries also reviewed existing Memoranda of Understanding and pending bilateral agreements ahead of a forthcoming bilateral session expected to be held in Côte d’Ivoire.

The meeting reechoed the importance of intelligence sharing, coordinated regional responses to terrorism, violent extremism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and transnational organised crime across the West African sub-region.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that the renewed diplomatic engagements reflect Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening regional and international partnerships capable of driving economic growth, peace, security, and sustainable development.