The Christians United for Israel Prayer Outreach, Nigeria has appealed to the federal government to maintain Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, describing the partnership as vital for national development, security and global peace.
It made the appeal in response to recent calls for the suspension of relations with the Jewish state. The group warned that severing ties with Israel could erode decades of cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, technology, healthcare and education.
In a statement issued on Friday, the group’s executive secretary, Dr. Samson Ozovehe, urged Nigerians to assess the situation in the Middle East with clarity and fairness.
He stressed 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.
Recalling the October 7, 2023 attack in which over 1,200 Israelis were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage by the Palestinian group, Hamas, Ozovehe said Israel’s ongoing military operations were aimed at freeing captives and dismantling a “globally recognised terrorist organisation,” and not waging war on the Palestinian people.
He expressed support for Nigeria’s recent positions at the United Nations and African Union which called for stronger global action against terrorism, saying, “Those opposing Israel’s right to defend itself risk emboldening violent actors over peaceful solutions.”
Highlighting the historical cooperation between Nigeria and Israel since diplomatic ties were first established in 1960, 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.
“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 statement said.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to pray for peace in the Middle East, adding, “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.”
