A STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF DOMESTIC FACTORS ON NIGERIA-ISRAEL BILATERAL RELATIONS, 1960-2007

  ABSTRACT

The study appraises the historical development of Nigeria-Israeli relations

from 1960-2007.It examines the influences exacted by internal and international politics on their relationship at different stages of their development. The

study looks at the various epochs in their relations with emphasis on the

following periods:

1) 1962 – 1966, Era of Peaceful Diplomatic Relations

2) 1967 – 1972, Era of Unstable Diplomatic Relations

3) 1973 – 1991, Era of Severed Diplomatic Relations

4) 1992 – 1993, Era of Restoration of Diplomatic Relations

5) 1994 – 1998, Era of Decline in Diplomatic Relations

6) 1999 – 2000 , Era of Stable Diplomatic Relations.

Furthermore, the study provides relevant information on Nigeria’s

relationship with Israel in key areas such as economic, political and sociocultural exchanges. Attention was given to the instruments employed by

the two countries to conduct external relations. The findings of this

research shows that the changing role of Israel in Nigeria which could

benefit the country in the fields of education, military, technology, tourism,

trade, culture and politics.

TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The Objectives of the Study

Statement of the Problem

Literature Review

Scope of the Study

Significance of the Study

Research Methodology

End Notes

CHAPTER TWO

EVOLUTION OF NIGERIA-ISRAEL POLITICAL RELATIONS FROM

1960 TO 2007

Introduction

Nigeria-Israel Political Relations from 1960-1966

Nigeria-Israel Political Relations from 1967-1972

Nigeria-Israel Political Relations from 1973-1991

Nigeria-Israel Political Relations from 1992-1993

Nigeria-Israel Political Relations from 1994-1998

Nigeria-Israel Political Relations from 1999-2007

End Notes

CHAPTER THREE

NIGERIA-ISRAEL ECONOMIC RELATIONS FROM 1960 TO 2007

Introduction

Nigeria-Israel Economic Relations from 1960-1966

Nigeria-Israel Economic Relations from 1967-1972

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Nigeria-Israel Economic Relations from 1973-1991

Nigeria-Israel Economic Relations from 1992-1993

Nigeria-Israel Economic Relations from 1994-1998

Nigeria-Israel Economic Relations from 1999-2007

End Notes

CHAPTER FOUR

NIGERIA-ISRAEL SOCIO-CULTURAL RELATIONS FROM 1960 TO 2007

Introduction

Nigeria-Israel Socio-Cultural Relations from 1960-1966

Nigeria-Israel Socio-Cultural Relations from 1967-1972

Nigeria-Israel Socio-Cultural Relations from1973-1991

Nigeria-Israel Socio-Cultural Relations from 1992-1993

Nigeria-Israel Socio-Cultural Relations from 1994-1998

Nigeria-Israel Socio-Cultural Relations from 1999-2007

End Notes

CHAPTER FIVE

Summary

Conclusion

Bibliography

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

The bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Israel date from the late

1950s, and in 1960, full diplomatic relations was established between the

two countries. Between 1973 and 1992, diplomatic relations were severed.

During this period, Nigeria’s relation with Israel generated “heated

controversy”1. The controversy was based on political and religious

divisions especially among Nigerian ruling class. The ethnic fragmentation

and religious heterogeneity of the country has posed a great “dilemma” on

the government’s decision to severe diplomatic ties with Israel due to

mixed feelings among the country’s diametrically opposed religious

structure. 2 According to Ojo (1986), Muslims felt that the move to break

ties with Israel was not only timely but also desirable, whereas the

Christians saw the move as a wrong foreign policy (FP) option. However,

when the Nigerian government decided to renew diplomatic ties in 1992,

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the Muslim group vociferated over this policy decision, whereas the

Christians saw it as a welcome idea.3

For the purpose of this study, Nigeria-Israel relations are best

understood when categorized into periods:

a. 1960 – 1966, Era of Peaceful Diplomatic Relations

b. 1967 – 1972, Era of Unstable Diplomatic Relations

c. 1973 – 1991, Era of Severed Diplomatic Relations

d. 1992 – 1993, Era of Restoration of Diplomatic Relations

e. 1994 – 1998, Era of Decline in Diplomatic Relations

f. 1999 – 2007 , Era of Stable Diplomatic Relations.4

This categorization was made by the researcher, following the order of

political events that occurred between the two countries in the period of

our study. Each era featured unique events that subsequently impacted the

bilateral relations between Nigeria and Israel. For instance, between 1960

and 1966 (Era of Peaceful Diplomatic Relations), Nigeria initiated series of

agreements with Israel on developmental projects running into millions of

pounds.5

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More so, between 1960 and 1966, Nigeria and Israel had series of

bilateral agreements that cut across trade, agriculture, educational network,

medical institutions and technological training. Hundreds of Nigerian

farmers, experts, educators, academicians, students, doctors, community

workers and engineers were trained in Israel. Top level ministerial

meetings of both countries were held and friendly relations, beneficial to

both peoples, were developed. Mutually beneficial economic ties were also

developed, including many joint ventures including the Israel-Nigeria

Water Company. Major Israeli companies and private entrepreneurs

became involved in the development of the newly independent Nigeria.

However, by 1966, beginning with the military coup d’ etat in Nigeria,

the two countries entered into a phase of unstable peace in their diplomatic

relations. The Nigerian-Israeli relations equally suffered a great set back as

a result of the civil war that bedeviled the nation for about 30 months.

Nigeria perceived a foul play towards Israel for its alleged sympathetic role

played by supporting the defunct Republic of Biafra during the country’s

civil war. Thus, between 1966 and 1972, Nigeria-Israel relations, though

unstable, still witnessed growth in economic and trade ties.6

10

Between 1972 and 1992 (Era of Severed Diplomatic Relations), NigeriaIsraeli relations suffered a major setback due to the outbreak of the October

1973 Middle East War (or Yum Kippur War as tagged by Israel). Gen.

Gowon blamed Israel for the renewal of hostility in the Middle East. Being

the Chairman of the Organization of African Unity, Gowon strangled ties

with the Israeli government which invariably made other OAU members to

follow suit.

After the Gowon’s administration was overthrown by General Murtala

Mohammed, subsequent administrations in Nigeria have towed the proArab FP in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Despite the fact that the Obasanjo’s

regime renounced the use of terms like Zionism to categorize the Israeli

political system, Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, the second in

command, declared in Saudi Arabia in 1979 that “our friends are the Arabs,

we shall always support them.”7

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Beginning from 1991, efforts were made by Nigerian Head of State

General Ibrahim Babangida to restore diplomatic relations with Israel.

However, this came into effect in 1992, when for the first time; Nigeria

established an Embassy in Israel, headed by one of its most experienced

Ambassadors. Unfortunately, this Era of Restoration of Diplomatic

Relations (1992-1993) did not last long. As the two countries were

preparing for closer cooperation, crisis erupted in Nigerian foreign

relations under Abacha’s regime.

Thus, between 1994 and 1998 (Era of Decline in Diplomatic Relations),

the two countries witnessed another era of poor relations. The Abacha

administration forced Nigeria to enter into a period of isolation, which

invariably deteriorated the mutual cooperation established by the

Babangida regime.

Towards the end of 1998, changes in Nigerian internal politics paved

way for the preparation of Israel to chart new diplomatic relations with

Nigeria. The General Abdulsalami Abubakar administration was relieved

the tensions between Nigeria and Israel. In 1999, Nigeria entered another

phase of democratic government which in turn had positive impact on her

relation with other countries including Israel.

In other words, Nigerian- Israeli relations between 1999 and 2007 (Era of

Stable Peace) was warm and firm. The newly elected President Olusegun

Obasanjo, with his global shuttle diplomacy, restored Nigeria’s relation

with Israel. This was expressed in reciprocal visits by high-level

government officials and the intensive exchange of technical and

professional knowledge through MASHAV (the Israeli Centre for

International Cooperation) programmes. Economic and commercial

relations between the countries also thrived during this era, as more and

more Israeli companies from various sectors were attracted to invest in

Nigeria.8

Statement of the Problem

Bilateral relations between Nigeria and Israel between 1960 and 2007 had a

dual character: acrimony and friendship. Between 1960 and 1965 it was

13

stable but from 1966 to 1990, it degenerated into a full scale diplomatic

tussle where Nigeria saw Israel as a threat to peace in the Middle East.

However, from 1991 to 1998, the situation was not cordial as General Sani

Abacha frustrated all attempts to foster peace between the two countries.

From 1999 to 2007, the two countries resumed cordial diplomatic ties.

Although, several scholars have made attempts to analyse Nigeria’s

relation with other countries, much has not been done on Nigeria-Israel

relations. This calls for scholarly attention.

Objectives of the Scope

This study seeks to achieve the following objectives: –

(i) Provide a detailed background to Nigeria-Israel relations between 1960

and 2007

(ii) Review the foreign policy objectives of Nigeria and Israel and how they

determine their bilateral relations

(iii) Discuss the political and economic bilateral relations between Nigeria

and Israel with emphasis on Nigeria’s successive regimes up to 2007.

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(iv) Examine the domestic factors that shaped Nigeria’s relation with Israel

from 1960 to 2007

Scope of the Study

This research covers the historical development of Nigeria-Israel relations

between 1960 and 2007 and then finds out the determinants that influenced

their relationship at different stages of their evolution. It also examines key

bilateral areas such as economic, political and socio-cultural exchanges.

However, not all areas of their bilateral relations were touched such as the

military

Significance of the Study

This study is very important for certain reasons.

First, it gives a historical background of Nigeria-Israel relationship between

1960 and 2007 thereby shedding more light on the dynamics that

characterized their relations.

15

Second, it shed more light on the patterns of Nigeria’s external relations

with Israel. Not only that, the study will aid our understanding of the

domestic factors driving Israel foreign policy towards Nigeria.

Finally, this study is useful to scholars’ especially diplomatic historians,

political scientists, economists and international relations experts in their

research on Nigeria’s relation with Israel. Diplomats like ambassadors,

high commissioners and staffers of foreign ministries will benefit from the

work.

Literature Review

Literature review is sine qua non in the determination of the nature and

existing works in diplomatic history.9 The knowledge of existing literature

is crucial to raising research questions.10 This study therefore reviews

existing literature to ascertain the level of historical knowledge in NigeriaIsraeli relation especially between 1960 and 20007

The foundation of Nigeria-Israeli relations dates back to the early 1960’s

when Israeli delegation visited Nigeria in 1960 seeking to establish

16

diplomatic ties with the country. Ever since then, Scholars of foreign policy

have produced research works on the bilateral relationship that exist

between Nigeria and Israel, though, in small quantity when compared to

other developed countries such as Nigeria’s relation with the United States

of America.

Review of related materials on Nigeria-Israel relations shows that there

have been fluctuations in their relations. In fact, the three eras that Nigeria

and Israel enjoyed cordial relations is not up to 20 years when put together

(1960 to 2007). This is not so good when compared with the acrimonious

years of their relationship (which amount to about 29 years).

N. A. Terhemba and K. M. Adegboyega, The Impact of Domestic Factors on

Foreign Policy: Nigerian/Israeli Relations,

10 examined the domestic structure

that influenced the evolution of Nigeria-Israeli relation from 1960 up to

year 2007. This work is useful to this study because it touches important

areas that bring the two countries together. However, Terhemba and

Adegboyega’s work failed to address the areas of non-state actors that

shape to a large extent, the relations between Nigeria and Israel.

17

Nevertheless, it gives a general overview of the relationship between

Nigeria and Israel. The work makes a good reading.

O. Ojo, “Nigeria and Israel”. In: Nigeria’s External Foreign Policy: TwentyFive Years”, gives a comprehensive study on the first twenty five years of

Nigeria- Israeli relations with emphasis on the political scene11. While Ojo

focused on the actions of Nigeria taken over the Yum Kippur War, he

presented a balanced historical discourse on the evolving relations between

the two countries. Although, Ojo did little to examine other vital areas of

Nigeria-Israel relations, his work lays the foundation for scholarly activity

in Nigeria’s diplomatic relation with Israel for the first twenty years.

N. Nereus, Influence of Domestic Factors on Nigeria-Israel Rapprochement,

12

looks at critical areas such as the political situation in the two countries, the

economic policies, cultural and religious affinity in analyzing the

relationship between Nigeria and Israel. Nereus presented his work during

the time when Gen. Babangida had restored diplomatic relations with

Israel. Despite the usefulness of this work, Nereus did not look at how the

18

international system, especially the Middle East crisis impact NigeriaIsraeli relations.

Y. Oron (Ed), Middle East Record Volume 1, 1960,13 examined the historical

foundations of Nigeria-Israel relations especially during the First Republic.

It is not a comprehensive study on Nigeria-Israel relation but rather, it

reveals significant events that would later impact the future of NigeriaIsrael relations.

I. Gambari, Party Politics and Foreign Policy: Nigeria under the First Republic,14

has also argued that the domestic political structure and process are of

great impact on the nature and character of Nigerian foreign policy because

they serve as the channel for internationalization of the international

environment and events, thus making them intelligible and of value tot eh

participants in domestic political roles. Though, Gambari’s work focused

on party politics in Nigeria, it reflected on the correlation between politics

and foreign policy formulation in Nigeria. Gambari’s work is relevant to

19

this study as it described the foundation of Nigerian foreign policy in

political terms.

O. Aluko Essays on Nigerian Foreign Policy15 focused on the evolution of

Nigerian foreign policy by demonstrating how internal pressures affect

foreign policy formulation in Nigeria. Though, the work did not discuss in

detail Nigeria’s relation with Israel, it however provides a background

study on domestic factors such as the military, political class, economic

resources, ethnic composition, etc., and how each of these factors affect

Nigeria’s relation with other countries.

In the same vein, F. Otubanjo, Foreign Policy Analysis16 asserts that the

domestic environment which includes geographical location of the state, its

peculiarity, natural and human resources, the nature of the political

system, quality of leadership, the nature of the interaction among groups in

the society, etc all directly affects the evolution of a country’s relations

with others. When applied to Nigeria-Israel relations, it implies that the

location of Nigeria in West African sub-region and Israel in the Middle East

affects their geopolitics and external relations. According to Otubanjo, the

20

domestic environments of Nigeria and Israel are largely responsible for

their changing relations in their many years coexistence. While Otubanjo

did not discuss the evolution of Nigeria –Israel relations, the work is useful

to this present study in analyzing various domestic factors that shaped

their bilateral relations between 1960 and 2007.

These works shows that much is yet to be covered in Nigeria-Israel

relations in the period of our study. This is because more research is yet to

be conducted in the areas of influence of non-state actors on the relations

between these two countries; and, on the educational, military,

technological and cultural ties which Nigeria shared with Israel between

1960 and 2007. This study therefore seeks to provide well researched

information in these identified areas.

Research Methodology

This study adopts the historical research method which involves making

use of primary source including interview, government publications,

newspapers, diaries, and archival materials relating to Nigeria-Israel

21

relations between 1960 and 2007. Moreover, this study depends on

secondary sources such as books, journals, conference proceedings and

internet sources to enrich this work.

Definition of Terms

Foreign Policy: A country’s foreign policy, called the international relations

policy, consists of strategies chosen by the state to safeguard its national

interests and to achieve its goals in international relations. The approaches

are strategically employed to interact with other countries. In recent times,

due to the deepening level of globalization and transnational activities, the

states will also have to interact with non-state actors. The aforementioned

interaction is evaluated and monitored in attempts to maximize benefits of

multilateral international cooperation.

Bilateral Relations: Bilateral may refer to any concept including two sides,

in particular:

 Bilateralism, describing the political and cultural relations between

two states.

 Bilateral symmetry, symmetry between two sides of an organism

Diplomatic Relations: Diplomacy is the art and practice of conducting

negotiations between representatives of groups or states. It usually refers to

international diplomacy, the conduct of international relations through the

intercession of professional diplomats with regard to issues of peacemaking, trade, war, economics, culture, environment and human rights.

International treaties are usually negotiated by diplomats prior to

endorsement by national politicians.

Civil War: A civil war is a war between organized groups within the same

nation state, or, less commonly, between two countries created from a

formerly-united nation-state. The aim of one side may be to take control of

the country or a region, to achieve independence for a region, or to change

government policies. It is high-intensity conflict, often involving regular

armed forces, that is sustained, organized and large-scale.

23

Yum Kippur War: Ramadan War or October War or the Yum Kippur, (also

known as the 1973 Arab-Israeli War and the Fourth Arab-Israeli War), was

fought from October 6 to 25, 1973, between Israel and a coalition of Arab

states led by Egypt and Syria.

Israel: officially the State of Israel, is a parliamentary republic in the

Middle East located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. With an

estimated population of about 7,602,400 people, Israel is one of the major

powers in the Middle East with vibrant diversified economy and

possession of nuclear weapons.

Nigeria: officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal

constitutional republic comprising thirty-six states and its Federal Capital

Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa . The three largest

and most influential ethnic groups in Nigeria are the Hausa, Igbo and

Yoruba. In terms of population, Nigeria is the largest in Africa with

enormous mineral resources including crude oil.

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1.2. Acronyms

MASHAV (the Israeli Centre for International Cooperation)

OAU (Organization of African Unity)

FP (Foreign Policy)

25

End Notes

1. N. Nereus, “Influence of Domestic Factors on Nigeria-Israel

Rapprochement”. Annals of the Social Sciences Council of Nigeria,

1993, p 16

2. Aluko, O. “Essays on Nigeria Foreign Policy”. London: George Allen and

Unwin, 1981, p. 20

3. O. Ojo, “Nigeria and Israel. In: Nigeria’s External Foreign Policy: Twenty-Five

Years” Olusanya and Akindete (eds.) Ibadan: University Press Limited,

1986, p. 3

4. The researcher, drawing largely from the events that occurred between

Nigeria and Israel from 1962 to 2000, carefully categorized the evolution of

their relations into six eras.

5. Y. Oron (Ed), Middle East Record Volume 1, 1960, The Israeli Oriental

Society, 1960, p 314

6. M. Curtis and S. Gitelson, Israel in the Third World, New Brunswick, N.J.:

Transactional Books, 1976, p. 40

7. Daily Times,Lagos, June 28th 1979.

8.http://abuja.mfa.gov.il/mfm/web/main/document.asp?SubjectID=107091

&MissionID=20397&LanguageID=0&StatusID=0&DocumentID=-1

9. T. Omotere, The Contributions of Dr. R.O. Ajetunmobi to the Development of

Yoruba Historiography, Teaching and Learning of History, Unpublished

B.A. Project, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, 2010, p. 8.

26

10.N. A. Terhemba and K. M. Adegboyega, The Impact of Domestic Factors

on Foreign Policy: Nigerian/Israeli Relations, Alternatives: Turkish Journal of

International Relations, Vol. 6, No.3&4, Fall & Winter 2007, pp 1-5

11. O. Ojo, “Nigeria and Israel”. In: Nigeria’s External Foreign Policy: TwentyFive Years” Olusanya and Akindete (eds.) Ibadan: University Press Limited,

1986, p. 3

12. N. Nereus, “Influence of Domestic Factors on Nigeria-Israel

Rapprochement”. Annals of the Social Sciences Council of Nigeria, 1993, p 16

13. Y. Oron (Ed), Middle East Record Volume 1, 1960, P. 629

14. I. Gambari, Party Politics and Foreign Policy: Nigeria under the First Republic,

Zaria: ABU Press, 190, P.1

15. O. Aluko, Essays on Nigerian Foreign Policy, London: George Allen and

unwin, 1981, p. 40

16. F. Otubanjo, Foreign Policy Analysis, Unpublished Manuscript.

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