Nigeria and Thailand are seeking to strengthen 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, 26th of August 2026 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 represented President Bola Tinubu at the meeting, said Nigeria was interested in reviewing its existing partnership with Thailand and leveraging the Asian 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, pointing to opportunities in agriculture, information and communications technology, renewable energy and solid minerals.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s large youthful population and workforce, urging Thai businesses to increase investments in the country and take advantage of its strategic position as a potential gateway to the wider African market.
Phuangketkeow, who was making his first visit to Africa, described Nigeria as a strategic partner and an important gateway for Thailand’s engagement with West Africa.
He proposed a Thailand-Africa Initiative aimed at strengthening economic and people-to-people ties between Thailand and African countries, with agriculture identified as a major area of cooperation.
The Thai minister also said his country’s expertise in universal health coverage, tourism and other sectors could be incorporated into a broader framework of bilateral cooperation.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Ahmed; Thailand’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Thirapath Mongkolnavin; and other senior officials from both countries.
