Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador to Israel, Ambassador Nkechi Ufochukwu, has formally assumed office after presenting her Letters of Credence to Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, noting that the official ceremony took place in Jerusalem on Monday.
According to the ministry, the presentation of the Letters of Credence marks the formal commencement of Ufochukwu’s diplomatic assignment and reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Israel.
“The presentation of the Letters of Credence formally marks the commencement of her diplomatic assignment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Israel and reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to further strengthening the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and Israel,” the ministry said.
Speaking after the ceremony, Ufochukwu conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people to the Government and people of Israel, while reaffirming her commitment to deepening cooperation between the two countries.
“I look forward to deepening ties between the two nations in my capacity as the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the State of Israel. Our focus will be on expanding cooperation for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” she said.
The ambassador identified trade and investment, agriculture and food security, technology and innovation, defence and security cooperation, healthcare, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges as key areas that would receive attention during her tenure.
President Isaac Herzog, while receiving the Nigerian envoy, reaffirmed Israel’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with Nigeria in areas of mutual interest.
“Israel is ready to work closely with Nigeria to advance shared interests, particularly in innovation and counter-terrorism,” Herzog said.
Ufochukwu is one of the 65 ambassadors-designate whose appointments were approved by President Bola Tinubu on March 6, 2026, following their confirmation by the Senate in December 2025. The list comprises 34 career diplomats and 31 political appointees.
