Nigeria and Thailand are seeking to deepen bilateral cooperation beyond crude oil and rice production, with agriculture, technology, commerce and renewable energy identified as key areas for expanded partnership.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made the call on Wednesday in Abuja when he received Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who led a delegation to the Presidential Villa.
Shettima, who spoke on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, said Nigeria was interested in reviewing existing partnerships with Thailand and leveraging the country’s expertise in intermediate agricultural technology.
“I believe that our relationship should go beyond transactions in crude oil, rice production and so on. So, there is a need for us to review our bilateral relationship at a strategic level,” he said.
The Vice President described Nigeria as a major investment destination, highlighting opportunities in agriculture, ICT, renewable energy and solid minerals, as well as the country’s large young population and workforce.
He urged Thai businesses to increase investment in Nigeria, citing the country’s strategic position and potential to serve as a gateway to the wider African market.
Phuangketkeow, on his first visit to Africa, described Nigeria as a strategic partner and an important gateway for Thailand’s engagement with West Africa.
He also proposed a Thailand-Africa Initiative aimed at strengthening economic and people-to-people ties with African countries, with agriculture identified as a key area of cooperation.
According to him, Thailand’s expertise in universal health coverage, tourism and other sectors could also form part of the broader partnership.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Ahmed, Thailand’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Thirapath Mongkolnavin, and other senior officials from both countries.
