According to the Israeli ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, Israel is ready to strengthen its agricultural partnership with Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, on the sidelines of an executive roundtable organised by Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River, Freeman, who is also the permanent representative of Israel to ECOWAS, said he would also partner with the Cross River government on the blue economy and the production of rice, cocoa and cassava.
“We hope there are also other areas we can take advantage of, such as resistant seedlings, fungus-resistant seedlings, and drought-resistant seedlings. We are also going to adapt to the climate and the soil that has a very low salinity in Cross River.
“This means there are specific types of plants that will work and specific types of jobs we want to work on to enable the state to become a breadbasket for Nigeria and Africa,” Freeman said.
He mentioned that even though no agreement has been signed, the implications of the investment between the two countries will be huge.
“I am not going to put numbers to it because it all depends on what the area of investment is, what the needs are for Cross River, and what the needs are for Israel,” said Freeman.
The speaker mentioned that it is important to consult with stakeholders to determine the appropriate levels of investment in Israel and Cross River for the mutual benefit of both parties. He emphasised that this should be a partnership, where both sides benefit equally. If the relationship or budget is one-sided, it will not be sustainable in the long run.