The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, received the Minister attached to the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) and a high-powered delegation in his office today.
The Director-General, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, appreciated the Thai delegation for the visit and underscored the historical ties between the two nations. He commended the impact of Thai initiatives, especially in rice production, on Nigerian households, describing TICA as a “sister agency” to NTAC, both of which are instrumental in promoting soft power diplomacy and South-South cooperation. The DG further mentioned Nigeria’s openness to global partnerships and emphasized the country’s status as Africa’s largest economy and the world’s largest Black nation.
Buba stated that NTAC is undergoing legislative reforms to extend its Technical Assistance beyond the ACP countries and reaffirmed the Corps’ willingness to engage in joint volunteer programs with Thailand. He also referenced Nigeria’s recent deployment of volunteers to Grenada as an example of expanding diplomatic cooperation as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his 4D Policy.
The DG expressed admiration for Thailand’s innovative agricultural machinery, such as the “Flying Star” multi-functional machine, and welcomed the opportunity to initiate similar technology exchanges. He also proposed the revival of a trade fair model previously initiated under his leadership as the Chairman House Committee on Nigerian/China relations in the House of Representatives to be remoulded between Nigerian and Thai stakeholders.
The Thai delegation, led by Ms. Sasirit Tangulrat, Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East, and African Affairs, expressed gratitude for the reception and highlighted the long-standing diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Thailand since 1962. She emphasized Thailand’s commitment to deepening cooperation through trade, investment, and development partnerships. She noted that Nigeria is Thailand’s second-largest trading partner in Africa.
Lt. Sorawud Preededilok, Minister attached to TICA, explained that TICA functions under the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the country’s focal point for International Development cooperation. He referenced the agency’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the success of two Nigerian officials who recently completed TICA-sponsored management degree programs.
Both sides explored opportunities for cooperation, including joint volunteer programs, technology exchanges, and trade fairs.
The visit concluded with an exchange of gifts and photographs.
Members of the Thai delegation included:
- Ms. Sasirit Tangulrat – Director-General, Department of South Asian, Middle East, and African Affairs
- Mr. Thirapath Mongkolnavin – Ambassador of Thailand to Nigeria
- Lt. Sorawud Preededilok – Minister Attached to TICA
- Mr. Kittipet Hongsombud – Director, Africa Division
- Mr. Natthawat Malisuwan – Counsellor & Deputy, HM RTE Abuja
- Mr. Kittidech Wongnokraset – Counsellor, Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA)
- Mr. Natjanon Limboonruksa – Development Cooperation Officer, TICA
- Ms. Thananya Panyasin – Third Secretary, Department of South Asian, Middle East, and African Affairs.
Present on the side of NTAC was Director Programme, Amb. Zakari Usman and other senior officers.
Signed
Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi anipr
Head (Information and Public Relations)
July 29, 2025
