By : Ike Philip Abiagom
A new era of agricultural cooperation between Nigeria and Thailand has begun following the signing of a Record of Discussions involving the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), Kasetsart University (KU), Thailand, and the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River (FCCO), aimed at strengthening agricultural education, aquaculture development, youth empowerment, and enterprise creation.
The landmark agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony and luncheon dialogue held at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, where government officials, academics, development experts, and stakeholders from both countries gathered to chart a new course for sustainable agricultural development.
A major highlight of the partnership is the establishment of a standard fish farm at the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, which will be fully funded by the Government of Thailand. The project is expected to serve as a centre for practical learning, modern aquaculture training, research, and technology transfer, while equipping students and young entrepreneurs with skills required to thrive in the agricultural sector.
The collaboration will also facilitate student exchange programmes between Nigeria and Thailand, academic cooperation, technical assistance, institutional capacity building, and knowledge-sharing initiatives between FCCO and Kasetsart University, one of Thailand’s leading institutions in agricultural education and research.
Speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, described the initiative as a strategic partnership capable of connecting youth, innovation, and business development in ways that would transform the agricultural landscape.
He noted that Nigeria’s growing youth population requires practical opportunities beyond conventional farming and emphasized that exposure to technology, entrepreneurship, international best practices, and skills acquisition would make agriculture more attractive and commercially rewarding for young people.
The signing ceremony was attended by distinguished representatives from both nations, including Mr. Chulvat Narinthrangura, Director-General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency; His Excellency Mr. Thirapath Mongkolnavin, Ambassador of Thailand to Nigeria; Assistant Professor Khongsak Thiangtum, President of Kasetsart University; and Dr. Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu, Provost and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River.
The exchange of the Record of Discussions was witnessed by Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi and His Excellency Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, underscoring the strong government-to-government commitment behind the initiative.
Beyond the formal signing ceremony, discussions focused on how international partnerships can create real opportunities for young people and contribute to economic growth through agriculture.
This formed the basis of a high-level panel session titled “Building Sustainable Partnerships: Connecting Youth, Innovation and Business between Thailand and Nigeria.”
Panelists included Professor Kornsorn Srikulnath, Assistant to the President for Research and Internationalization at Kasetsart University; Dr. Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu of FCCO; and Ms. Aline M. Mugisho, Country Convener of CGIAR Nigeria/IITA.
The panel examined practical ways of translating institutional agreements into measurable benefits for young people through skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation, and participation in agricultural value chains.
Stakeholders noted that the fish farm project and exchange programmes would expose Nigerian students to global best practices while strengthening local capacity in modern agricultural production and agribusiness management.
The initiative is also seen as part of Thailand’s broader development cooperation with Nigeria, focusing on areas where technical expertise, education, and innovation can improve livelihoods and drive sustainable growth.
Among those present at the groundbreaking and Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony was Pastor Idowu Chukwudi Okeze, Director of Procurement at the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River. His participation reflected the institution’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the partnership and the realization of its long-term benefits.
Observers described the agreement as a significant milestone in Nigeria-Thailand relations and a practical model of international collaboration capable of creating opportunities for young people, strengthening food security, and advancing sustainable agricultural development in both countries.
With the establishment of the Thailand-funded fish farm and the introduction of academic exchange programmes, the partnership is expected to serve as a catalyst for innovation, skills acquisition, and agricultural transformation, while deepening bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Thailand.