Thailand and Nigeria have recognized each other’s potential as gateways connecting the two regions, with Nigeria serving as a gateway to Africa and Thailand as a gateway to ASEAN. 

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Sirilak Niyom, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, visited the Federal Republic of Nigeria to co-chair the First Thailand–Nigeria Bilateral Consultations in Abuja on 24 August 2026, together with Mr. Grema Garba Satomi, Director of Regions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria,

On this occasion, the two sides reviewed developments in the bilateral relations and exchanged views on ways to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Both sides also agreed that the Consultations would serve as a mechanism to further advance Thailand–Nigeria relations based on South-South Cooperation. This is in line with the Thailand-Africa Initiative (TAI), with a focus on strengthening cooperation on economic and sustainable development, as well as promoting mutual interests in international frameworks.

The Nigerian side expressed its readiness to support Thailand in promoting its relations with the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) under Thailand’s TAI policy.

On the economic front, both sides recognized the potential to expand cooperation in food and energy security, while promoting private-sector linkages and placing importance on development cooperation. The Thai side expressed its readiness to build upon cooperation in human resource development, the exchange of agricultural and aquaculture technologies, and the development of the halal industry. 

The two sides also discussed cooperation on consular matters and combating transnational crime, particularly online scams and human trafficking, including on exchanging intelligence and strengthening the capacity of relevant agencies.

Nigeria is Thailand’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade reaching USD 1.2 billion in 2025. It is most the populous country in Africa, with a population of more than 230 million, and has significant potential in the energy, mineral resources, timber and gemstone sectors. Nigeria is also home to the headquarters of ECOWAS and a member of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).