Thailand has donated 12 metric tonnes of rice valued at $22,000 to support communities affected by food insecurity in Nigeria, as humanitarian agencies warn of worsening hunger conditions across the country.
The donation was announced in Abuja by the Ambassador of Thailand to Nigeria, Mr. Thirapath Mongkolnavin, during the presentation of the rice to the World Food Programme (WFP) for distribution to vulnerable populations, particularly in the North-East.
Ambassador Mongkolnavin stated, “In response to this crisis, Thailand is pleased to contribute 12 metric tonnes of Thai rice valued at 22,000 dollars through the WFP to support communities affected by food insecurity.”
Thailand, the world’s sixth-largest rice producer with annual production estimated at about 34.3 million metric tonnes, also provided financial assistance of $10,000 through the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund, managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), to support humanitarian efforts in the BAY states.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, described the donation as a reflection of global solidarity. He urged, “As we celebrate this gesture today, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to building partnerships that advance sustainable development, reduce poverty and ensure that no one is left behind.”
Nigeria continues to grapple with a worsening food security crisis. PwC projects that as many as 34.7 million Nigerians could face acute food insecurity in 2026. Similarly, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) projects that about 34.7 million Nigerians may experience severe food insecurity during the June-August 2026 lean season.
Experts attribute the crisis to persistent insecurity in food-producing regions, farmer-herder clashes, banditry, and climate change-induced events such as flooding and droughts.
In a separate development, Tropical General Investments Group (TGI) and Singapore-based Wilmar International have agreed to merge their businesses in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin under a new 50:50 joint venture targeting a market estimated at $12bn. The transaction combines operations across agriculture, oil palm plantations, edible oils, edible nuts, rice, food manufacturing, and distribution.
Wilmar International Chairman and CEO, Mr Kuok Hong, noted that the partnership would strengthen their ability to serve a growing consumer market in Africa. TGI Group Founder and Chairman, Cornelis Vink, added that the deal brings together two complementary businesses with a shared focus on delivering quality food products.
TGI Group Vice Chairman, Farouk Gumel, stated that the partnership underscores the group’s confidence in Nigeria’s economic prospects and commitment to local investment. Wilmar’s Africa Head, Santosh Pillai, described the transaction as a strategic fit, creating an integrated platform with the scale, local insight, and operating depth to better serve consumers in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. The transaction is expected to close during the 2026 financial year, subject to regulatory approvals.
