Nigeria moves to strengthen strategic partnership with Thailand

Nigeria is pushing for a deeper, more structured partnership with Thailand, with Abuja outlining a broad agenda that spans political cooperation, economic expansion, security collaboration, and cultural exchange. The commitment emerged during high-level talks between Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, and Thailand’s Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, held in Bangkok.

According to officials familiar with the discussions, Nigeria is aiming to elevate the long-standing relationship into a strategic partnership driven by shared development priorities. Tuggar acknowledged Thailand’s renewed engagement with Africa and positioned Nigeria as a key gateway for stronger ASEAN–ECOWAS ties.

Both ministers reviewed previous high-level exchanges and agreed to revive reciprocal visits to sustain momentum. Nigeria outlined priority sectors including agriculture, energy, defence industries, ICT, manufacturing, and renewable energy. areas seen as vital for job creation and technology transfer.

On trade, Nigeria highlighted its crude oil exports while acknowledging Thailand’s strength in rice production and machinery. The two countries discussed potential ventures in agro-processing, cleaner energy solutions, and industrial development, with Nigeria offering market access and incentives to attract Thai investors.

Education and human-capacity development also featured strongly. Nigeria commended Thailand’s existing scholarship programmes and requested expanded opportunities for Nigerian students and professionals, particularly in technical and agricultural fields.

Security cooperation formed another pillar of the talks. Nigeria called for stronger collaboration against cross-border crimes, including trafficking networks, and proposed intelligence-sharing and specialised joint training exercises. Both sides also exchanged views on regional issues such as the Sahel, Myanmar, and Southeast Asian border stability.

Nigeria urged the speedy conclusion of several pending bilateral agreements covering trade, agriculture, culture, education, and investment. It further proposed establishing a Joint or Bi-National Commission to institutionalise cooperation. Consular matters, including better protection for nationals and streamlined visa procedures, were also discussed.

Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to deeper engagement and extended an invitation for further diplomatic exchanges, describing Thailand as a strategic Asian partner with which Nigeria seeks a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship.