By Peter Omopo
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations with Thailand, with plans to elevate bilateral ties into a full strategic partnership spanning political, economic and cultural cooperation.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir. The announcement followed Tuggar’s bilateral meeting with his Thai counterpart, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, held on the sidelines of the relaunch of the Thailand–Africa Initiative in Bangkok.
During the meeting, Tuggar congratulated Sihasak on his recent appointment and conveyed Nigeria’s condolences over national tragedies in Thailand, including the passing of the Queen Mother and casualties of recent natural disasters.
He expressed satisfaction with the cordial relationship between both countries and Nigeria’s desire to upgrade the partnership to a strategic level. The ministers also acknowledged past high-level visits and pledged to sustain such engagements through reciprocal exchanges.
“Nigeria welcomes Thailand’s outreach to Africa under the Thailand–Africa Initiative and proposes joint projects aligned with Nigeria’s national priorities,” Tuggar said.
He also encouraged Thailand to support cooperation between ASEAN and ECOWAS, with a long-term goal of convening an ASEAN–ECOWAS Summit.
Economic diversification and investment
Tuggar highlighted opportunities for expanded economic cooperation, especially in agro-processing, energy, defence industries, and technology transfer. He noted Nigeria’s crude oil exports and Thailand’s strength in rice production and machinery, proposing deeper trade linkages in these sectors.
He added that Nigeria offers incentives, a large consumer market, and opportunities for investment in ICT, manufacturing, defence collaboration and renewable energy.
The minister commended Thailand’s existing scholarships and technical training programmes and requested additional slots for Nigerian students and professionals.
Security and regional cooperation
Tuggar emphasised the need for stronger collaboration to combat transnational crime, including drug trafficking and human trafficking. He proposed intelligence-sharing mechanisms and joint capacity-building initiatives.
Both countries also exchanged views on regional developments, with Nigeria offering perspectives on the Sahel, Myanmar, and stability along the Thailand–Cambodia border.
He further urged the speedy conclusion of pending bilateral agreements covering trade, investment, agriculture, education, and culture, noting that their implementation could pave the way for a Joint or Bi-National Commission.
Consular issues and development support
The minister called for improved consular cooperation, particularly protection for Nigerian citizens in Thailand and streamlined visa processes for travellers from both countries.
He also proposed strengthened collaboration between the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) and Nigerian institutions on rural development and small- and medium-enterprise empowerment.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing the relationship, Tuggar extended an invitation for reciprocal visits, describing Thailand as a strategic partner in Asia.
The renewed engagement comes amid Nigeria’s broader diplomatic efforts to expand global partnerships. PUNCH Online earlier reported that Nigeria and Saudi Arabia recently entered a five-year defence cooperation agreement.
