Senator Elisha Abbo has told Israel that Nigeria has a long way to go to become a developed nation because corruption is endemic in the African country.

The senator stated this on Tuesday at the 75th independence anniversary of Israel in Abuja.

The event was organised by the Israeli embassy to commemorate the birth of the modern state of Israel and democracy since the official declaration by Ben Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister, on May 14, 1948.

Mr Abbo underscored the need to tackle corruption to achieve meaningful growth.

“You cannot compound the achievements of Israel in one day, in terms of agricultural revolution, weapons, security and many things. We have a lot to learn from Israel as a nation,” the Nigerian legislator explained. “What we as a nation must begin to do is to fight corruption.”

The senator added, “The biggest enemy Nigeria has today is corruption. If we have to rebuild our own country, Nigerians have to fight against corruption.”

In a separate interview at the event, women affairs minister Pauline Tallen commended Israel’s ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, for calling for the deepening of Israel-Nigeria to deepen their ties.

“I believe by deepening our diplomatic relations with Israel, we stand to gain a lot because Nigeria is blessed with many natural potentials, as far as tourism, agriculture, and many others,” said Ms Tallen.

She explained that “as long as we instil discipline, such discipline that Israel instilled in whatever thing it is doing, as a disciplined country whatever Israelis do, they do it with all their mind.”

The Nigerian minister added, “If Nigerians will put their mind to develop our tourism potential, we stand to gain a lot and get other countries to gain from what we are blessed with.”

(NAN)