Speaking at a forum held over the weekend in Abuja, the envoy explained that boosting trade between both countries remains a key priority in her diplomatic mission.

She emphasized that her focus is on expanding the existing trade framework between Nigeria and Israel, describing it as essential to deepening economic ties and improving collaboration between both nations.

Ufochukwu also noted that her agenda extends beyond trade, including the promotion of Nigeria’s culture, agriculture, and investment opportunities, as well as supporting training programmes in cybersecurity and information technology.

She assured stakeholders of her commitment to fully delivering on her responsibilities, adding that sustained communication and cooperation would be important in achieving set goals.

Participants at the forum highlighted the need for Nigeria to address structural barriers affecting business growth, while pointing to Israel’s innovation-driven economy as a model worth studying.

One of the attendees, Pastor Henry Opara, called for formal bilateral agreements, stressing that most current business interactions between both countries are informal and based on personal relationships rather than structured government frameworks.

He argued that stronger government-to-government agreements would provide clearer rules and more stable economic engagement.

Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Nigeria–Israel Business Forum, Mrs. Florence Osuji, urged both countries to renew official trade agreements, noting that some existing arrangements have expired, leaving current trade relations without strong institutional backing.