Christian organisation urges FG to sustain Nigeria–Israel partnership

A Christian organisation, Christians United for Israel Prayer Outreach, Nigeria, has advised the Federal Government to maintain Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic ties with Israel in order to ensure national development, security, and global peace.

The group made the appeal in response to recent calls for the suspension of relations with the Jewish state, warning that severing ties could erode decades of cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, technology, healthcare, and education.

The group’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Samson Ozovehe, in a statement, urged Nigerians to assess the situation in the Middle East with clarity and fairness, stressing that Nigeria’s relationship with Israel should be guided by mutual benefit, shared security interests, and a commitment to peacebuilding, rather than religious or political rivalry.

The October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas led to the killing of over 1,200 people and the abduction of more than 200 hostages. Ozovehe said Israel’s ongoing military operations were aimed at freeing captives and dismantling a “globally recognised terrorist organisation,” not waging war on the Palestinian people.

He expressed support for Nigeria’s recent positions at the United Nations and African Union, calling for stronger global action against terrorism, as those opposing Israel’s right to defend itself risk emboldening violent actors over peaceful solutions.

The group pointed to joint projects in agricultural technology, irrigation, water management, construction, and medical training as evidence of a productive partnership that should be preserved, while highlighting the historical cooperation between Nigeria and Israel since diplomatic ties were first established in 1960.

According to the statement, “Even Arab nations like Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia are urging Hamas to disarm and release hostages. Any contrary call within Nigeria is, at best, misguided.”

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to praying for peace in the Middle East, saying that may the God of peace guide the leaders of nations with wisdom, protect the innocent from the scourge of violence, and bring lasting reconciliation to the land of Israel, Palestine, and all regions plagued by conflict. May justice and mercy prevail, and may love overcome hatred.