Nigeria, Thailand seek to deepen ties beyond oil and rice

Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a strategic expansion of the nation's relationship with Thailand, urging a move beyond traditional trade in crude oil and rice to encompass deeper cooperation in technology, agriculture, commerce, and renewable energy.

Shettima made these remarks during a courtesy visit from Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The Vice President highlighted Nigeria's potential as a significant market and investment destination, emphasizing the opportunities available in sectors like agriculture, ICT, and renewable energy, supported by a young and abundant workforce.

“

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.

"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," Shettima stated, speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. He encouraged Thai businesses to continue investing in Nigeria, citing the country's strategic African position, demographic advantages, and rich natural resources.

Phuangketkeow, on his first trip to Africa, acknowledged Nigeria as a strategic partner and a strong voice in the Global South. He proposed a "Thailand-Africa Initiative" aimed at bolstering relations with key African nations through enhanced people-to-people ties and economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture. This initiative seeks to strengthen economic ties and business relations across the continent, with Nigeria identified as a crucial partner.

“

Nigeria is a large market. There are enormous opportunities for partnership and investment in agriculture, ICT, renewable energy, and solid minerals, and we have a young population and workforce.