Nigeria and Thailand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and launched the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) to deepen collaboration in agricultural research, cooperative innovation and technology transfer.
The signing ceremony took place at the Lekki Room, Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos.
The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Dabban, said stronger international partnerships are critical to advancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector through knowledge exchange, modern technologies, research collaboration and human-capacity development.
In a statement by Khadijat O. Ameen, Public Relations Officer, the Executive Secretary said “Stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Thai institutions will create opportunities for researchers, farmers and agricultural stakeholders to benefit from innovative approaches and practical solutions to challenges affecting food production and agricultural development,”
He reaffirmed ARCN’s commitment to supporting partnerships that promote agricultural research, innovation and technology transfer, while contributing to Nigeria’s food security agenda.
The Provost and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State, Dr. Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu, said the project will target host communities, students, farmers, cooperative societies, the private sector and innovators.
Delivering an address titled “Insights into the Thai-Nigeria Collaborative Framework”, Dr. Obidiegwu also highlighted the history of engagement and communication between both countries that led to the partnership.
Stakeholders said the MoU and TICA launch represent a significant milestone in deepening Nigeria–Thailand cooperation and building a more productive, resilient and technology-driven agricultural sector.
The engagement is expected to strengthen cooperation in agricultural research, innovation, technology transfer, capacity building and agricultural entrepreneurship, in line with the food security agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.