Nigeria wants to deepen its economic partnership with Thailand by expanding cooperation into agriculture, technology, renewable energy, trade and solid minerals, moving beyond the traditional exchange of crude oil and rice.

Vice President Kashim Shettima outlined the ambition on August 26 in Abuja during a meeting with a Thai delegation led by Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.

“Our relationship must go beyond transactions in crude oil, rice and others,” Shettima said, calling for the two countries to reposition their partnership at a more strategic level.

Nigeria is particularly interested in Thailand’s experience in agricultural technologies and food processing, as Abuja seeks to raise agricultural productivity and develop more local value chains. The government is also targeting opportunities in information and communication technology, renewable energy, manufacturing and solid minerals.

Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s large domestic market, young population and abundant natural resources as potential advantages for Thai companies looking to expand their presence in Africa.

Thailand, meanwhile, is seeking to strengthen its economic engagement with Africa through its Thailand-Africa Initiative. Bangkok views Nigeria as a strategic partner and an important gateway to the West African market, with agriculture, investment and technology among the areas offering significant potential.

The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening technical cooperation and expanding economic ties. The agreement is expected to support greater collaboration in agriculture, industry, technology and other sectors.

The discussions come as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy, strengthen domestic production and attract foreign investment. For Abuja, the objective is not only to increase trade but also to attract technology and investment that can help transform the country’s agricultural and mineral resources into higher-value products, industrial capacity and jobs.

For Thailand, deeper engagement with Nigeria offers access to one of Africa’s largest markets and could provide a platform for expanding commercial ties across West Africa.

The proposed shift therefore signals an attempt by both countries to move from a relationship focused on a limited number of commodities toward a broader economic partnership built around agriculture, technology, industry, energy, trade and investment.