NIGERIA, THAILAND SEEK WIDER COOPERATION IN AGRICULTURE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY

Nigeria and Thailand have agreed to strengthen their bilateral relationship by expanding cooperation in technology, agriculture, commerce and renewable energy, as both countries seek to move their partnership beyond traditional areas of trade.

Vice President Kashim Shettima made the position known on Wednesday when he received Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who led a delegation to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Representing President Bola Tinubu, Shettima said there was a need for Nigeria and Thailand to conduct a strategic review of their existing bilateral relationship. He noted that Nigeria was a large market with significant opportunities for investment in agriculture, information and communication technology, renewable energy and solid minerals.

The Vice President said Nigeria was particularly interested in Thailand’s experience with intermediate technology in agriculture and related sectors. He argued that stronger cooperation in these areas could help Nigeria improve productivity while creating opportunities for investment, knowledge transfer and economic development.

Shettima also encouraged Thai businesses and investors to continue exploring opportunities in Nigeria, highlighting the country’s large population, youthful workforce, natural resources and strategic position on the African continent.

On its part, Thailand proposed the Thailand-Africa Initiative, designed to strengthen the country’s economic and people-to-people relationships with key African countries. Agriculture is expected to be one of the major areas of focus under the initiative, alongside other sectors where Thailand has considerable experience.

The Thai delegation described Nigeria as an important strategic partner and a potential gateway for strengthening Thailand’s relationship with West Africa. The delegation also expressed interest in areas including universal health coverage and tourism.

The renewed engagement comes alongside a broader effort by both countries to increase trade, investment, manufacturing, energy, agriculture, digital technology and services. Nigeria and Thailand have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on technical cooperation, providing a framework for consultations and practical development partnerships.

The agreement is expected to support the exchange of technical knowledge and expertise while encouraging greater participation by private-sector organisations from both countries.

Thailand has also indicated its willingness to share agricultural development experience through the Thailand-Nigerian Sustainable Agricultural Technology Learning Centre project at the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, in Enugu State. The initiative could potentially be expanded to other areas and involve wider African partnerships.

The two countries are therefore seeking to build a broader relationship based on investment, technology transfer and development cooperation rather than relying mainly on conventional trade. A Thailand-Nigeria Business Forum is also scheduled to take place in Lagos, where Thai businesses are expected to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria.