Nigeria and Thailand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on technical cooperation as both countries seek to deepen economic ties through increased trade, investment, technology transfer, agriculture and skills development.

The agreement was signed in Abuja on Tuesday by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

The MoU provides a framework for expanded collaboration in areas including technology, innovation, agriculture, technical skills and sustainable development.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria was ready to move its relationship with Thailand beyond conventional diplomatic and trade engagements towards a strategic economic partnership that would produce measurable benefits for citizens.

She urged Thai businesses and investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s large consumer market, particularly in agro-processing, manufacturing, energy, information and communications technology, mining and renewable energy.

The minister also called for greater cooperation in agricultural research, technology and innovation, saying stronger collaboration could improve productivity, enhance food security and create opportunities for farmers and businesses.

She specifically advocated the expansion of the Thailand-Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Technology Development Project to more parts of Nigeria.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu further called for closer collaboration between the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps and the Thailand International Cooperation Agency, particularly in skills acquisition, technology transfer and sustainable development.

She said Nigeria was also seeking to diversify bilateral trade, which has traditionally included commodities such as crude oil, rice and agricultural machinery.

The minister proposed the establishment of a Joint or Bi-National Commission to strengthen economic dialogue between both countries, monitor the implementation of existing agreements and accelerate negotiations on outstanding bilateral instruments.

These include an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, a Trade Agreement and an Agreement on Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also advocated stronger relations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Economic Community of West African States, saying closer links between the two regional blocs could create additional opportunities for trade, investment and economic development.

On Thailand’s part, Phuangketkeow described Nigeria as a key African economy and strategic partner, stressing the potential for deeper cooperation to expand investment and trade while delivering benefits to both countries.

The agreement comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to attract foreign capital, diversify its economy and reduce dependence on crude oil revenues.

For Nigeria, stronger economic ties with Thailand could provide access to expertise in manufacturing, agriculture, technology and industrial development, while Thailand could gain greater access to Nigeria’s large consumer market and the wider West African market.

Both countries expressed their commitment to sustained high-level engagement and broader cooperation, with the latest agreement expected to provide a foundation for translating bilateral relations into concrete investment, trade and development projects.