Shettima Pushes Deeper Nigeria-Thailand Economic Ties

Amarachi Ihesiulo

August 27, 2026
3 min read
Vice President Kashim Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for stronger economic relations between Nigeria and Thailand, highlighting technology, agriculture, renewable energy and commerce as areas with significant potential for cooperation.

Shettima made the call during a meeting with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The discussions focused on expanding bilateral engagement beyond traditional diplomatic relations and building partnerships capable of supporting investment, technology transfer and economic development in both countries.

Shettima stressed the importance of deepening Nigeria’s relationship with Thailand at a time when the Federal Government is seeking to attract more foreign investment and diversify the economy away from heavy dependence on crude oil.

Agriculture was identified as an area where both countries could benefit from greater collaboration. Thailand has extensive experience in agricultural production, food processing and value-chain development, while Nigeria has a large agricultural sector and significant land and labour resources.

Greater cooperation could therefore create opportunities for Nigerian farmers and businesses through technology, processing capacity and improved access to markets.

Technology is another area expected to benefit from closer ties. Nigeria’s expanding digital economy has created demand for investment, technical expertise and partnerships capable of supporting innovation and industrial growth.

Renewable energy could also become a major component of the relationship as Nigeria works to address electricity supply challenges and expand access to reliable power.

For Thailand, deeper engagement with Africa’s largest economy could provide opportunities in one of the continent’s largest consumer markets. Nigeria’s population, expanding middle class and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem offer potential opportunities for Thai companies across several sectors.

The meeting also reflects Nigeria’s broader diplomatic and economic strategy of strengthening partnerships with countries outside its traditional economic alliances.

Officials in Abuja have increasingly emphasised economic diplomacy, seeking to use international relationships to attract capital, expand exports and create jobs.

The Nigeria-Thailand relationship could benefit from a more structured approach involving government agencies, private companies and investment institutions. Such cooperation could include joint ventures, technical partnerships, skills development and expanded trade missions.

The latest talks therefore provide an opportunity for both countries to convert diplomatic goodwill into practical economic projects.

For Nigeria, the priority will be ensuring that foreign partnerships deliver measurable benefits, including investment, employment, technology transfer and increased productive capacity.

For Thailand, stronger access to Nigeria could provide a gateway into the wider West African market.

The challenge now is turning high-level discussions into concrete agreements capable of producing long-term economic value for businesses and citizens in both countries.