Thailand pledges financial support to relieve flood crisis in Nigeria

   On 14 January 2013, Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Royal Thai Government, presented a letter of intent to Mr. Chukwudi Newington Okafor, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Thailand, to donate 1 million THB (or approximately 32,425.42 USD) as financial contribution to help alleviate flood crisis in Nigeria.

   Nigeria was affected by the unprecedented flooding in July 2012, which caused 363 deaths and rendered more than 2 million people homeless. Infrastructure and paddy fields, especially in the southern states of the country, were also damaged by the flood. The Nigerian Government estimated 110 million USD would be needed to help the victims of the flood and restore the country to normalcy with sought financial assistance from the United Nations and other international organization, as well as friends of Nigeria.

   Thailand and Nigeria have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962. Presently, Nigeria is Thailand’s No. 2 trading partner in Africa and No. 1 importer of parboiled rice. 

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