Nigeria is seeking to elevate its ties with Thailand into a comprehensive strategic partnership, according to Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, who met with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow during the relaunch of the Thailand–Africa Initiative in Bangkok.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Tuggar highlighted the long-standing cordiality between the two nations and expressed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen collaboration across political, economic and cultural fronts.
The minister opened the meeting by congratulating Sihasak on his appointment and extending sympathies for recent national bereavements in Thailand. He emphasised that both nations had benefited from past high-level visits and insisted that such exchanges must continue.
“Nigeria appreciates Thailand’s renewed engagement with Africa under the Thailand–Africa Initiative and is keen to pursue joint projects that align with national priorities,” Tuggar said.
He proposed stronger ASEAN–ECOWAS cooperation, envisioning the possibility of a future ASEAN–ECOWAS Summit. The minister outlined several areas ripe for expanded partnership, including agriculture, energy, defence industries, ICT, manufacturing and renewable energy—sectors he said were well supported by Nigeria’s incentives and extensive consumer base.
Tuggar thanked Thailand for its scholarships and technical training programmes for Nigerians, urging an expansion to benefit more students and professionals. He also praised the Sustainable Agricultural Technology Development Project and encouraged deeper joint research to promote environmentally friendly farming.
On security, Tuggar underscored the need for joint action against transnational crime. He proposed intelligence-sharing, joint training and enhanced cooperation to tackle drug-related offences, human trafficking and other cross-border threats. Regional stability issues—including developments in the Sahel, Myanmar and the Thailand–Cambodia border—were also discussed.
The minister called for the rapid conclusion of outstanding agreements in trade, investment, agriculture, education and culture, noting that these would pave the way for establishing a Joint or Bi-National Commission. Strengthened consular cooperation, streamlined visas and mutual protection for citizens were also highlighted.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to stronger bilateral ties, Tuggar extended an invitation for reciprocal visits, describing Thailand as an important strategic partner for Nigeria in Asia and expressing optimism for a “mutually beneficial” future.
