The Israeli ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, expressed Israel’s readiness to enhance its agricultural collaboration with Nigeria.
During a discussion with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, held alongside an executive roundtable hosted by Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River, Freeman, who also serves as Israel’s permanent representative to ECOWAS, outlined plans to engage with the Cross River government on various initiatives including the blue economy, and the cultivation of rice, cocoa, and cassava.
Freeman highlighted specific areas of interest such as the development of resistant seedlings for pests, fungus, and drought, tailored to suit Cross River’s unique climate and low soil salinity. He envisioned leveraging these efforts to transform the state into a major agricultural hub for Nigeria and Africa.
Regarding the potential investment impact, Freeman emphasized the significance of stakeholder consultations to determine optimal investment levels benefiting both Israel and Cross River.
He underscored the necessity for a balanced partnership where mutual benefits are prioritized for long-term sustainability.
While refraining from disclosing specific investment figures, Freeman emphasized the importance of collaborative planning to ensure a mutually beneficial outcome.
