Nigeria and Thailand sign a technical cooperation MoU to expand trade, investment, technology transfer and skills development. Both countries target stronger collaboration in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, ICT, mining and renewable energy.
Nigeria and Thailand are moving to strengthen their economic relationship through a new technical cooperation framework focused on trade, investment, technology transfer and development. The two countries sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, creating a platform for expanded collaboration across several sectors.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, sign the agreement on behalf of their respective governments. The MoU covers areas including skills development, agriculture, technology, innovation and sustainable development.
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Odumegwu-Ojukwu says Nigeria wants to move its relationship with Thailand beyond traditional areas of engagement and build a broader economic partnership that delivers tangible benefits for businesses and citizens. She also welcomes Thailand’s Thailand-Africa Initiative, which seeks to strengthen the country’s engagement with African economies.
Skills development and technology transfer emerge as important components of the new cooperation framework. Nigeria calls for closer collaboration between the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) and the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), particularly in skills acquisition, technology transfer and sustainable development.
Agriculture is another priority area. Nigeria seeks the expansion of the Thailand-Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Technology Development Project to additional parts of the country. Greater cooperation in agricultural research, technology and innovation is expected to support productivity, improve food security and create opportunities for farmers and businesses.
The two countries also identify several sectors with potential for increased Thai investment in Nigeria, including agro-processing, manufacturing, energy, information and communications technology, mining and renewable energy. Nigeria is encouraging Thai companies to tap into its large consumer market and participate in joint ventures and investment projects.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also proposes establishing a Joint or Bi-National Commission to provide a structured mechanism for regular economic dialogue, monitor bilateral agreements and accelerate negotiations on pending arrangements. These include agreements covering investment protection, trade, and economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation.
Thailand views Nigeria as an important African economy and potential strategic economic partner. Deeper engagement provides Thai companies with access to Nigeria and the wider West African market, while Nigeria can benefit from Thailand’s experience in manufacturing, agriculture, technology and industrial development.
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The partnership also aligns with Thailand’s broader Thailand-Africa Initiative, under which the country is seeking stronger trade and investment relationships with emerging African markets. The Thai government has identified Nigeria as a priority destination for expanding economic diplomacy and business engagement.
The latest MoU therefore provides a foundation for broader commercial cooperation. Its success will depend on converting the framework into concrete investments, technology partnerships, skills programmes and sustained private-sector engagement.