The Excessive Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, has known as for stronger {economic} cooperation between each nations, expressing concern over the low quantity of bilateral commerce.
Kabir made the attraction in Abuja throughout the celebration of Bangladesh’s fifty fifth Independence and Nationwide Day, noting that commerce between Nigeria and Bangladesh stays far under its potential regardless of many years of cordial relations.
He stated that though industrial alternate has grown steadily, it doesn’t replicate the huge alternatives obtainable to each nations.
“Bilateral commerce between our two nations has grown steadily but stays properly under its true potential,” he stated, highlighting Bangladesh’s strengths in textiles, prescribed drugs, ceramics, processed meals, and ICT providers.
Kabir additionally pointed to Nigeria’s giant market, vitality assets, and agricultural capability as key areas for expanded engagement.
He recognized agriculture, significantly contract farming, as a significant alternative for collaboration, noting that Bangladesh’s experience in high-yield and climate-resilient farming may complement Nigeria’s huge arable land and agro-processing potential.
The envoy stated Bangladesh is intensifying its engagement with African nations, with Nigeria taking part in a strategic position in that effort.
He added that each nations share sturdy historic ties, youthful populations, and customary aspirations for democratic governance, whereas additionally cooperating inside worldwide organisations such because the United Nations and the Commonwealth.
Kabir additional recognized training, abilities improvement, digital innovation, and defence cooperation as further areas for partnership, stressing the significance of people-to-people engagement to strengthen bilateral relations.
In his remarks, Bukar Hamman of Nigeria’s Ministry of International Affairs reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to deepening ties with Bangladesh, highlighting shared values in multilateral cooperation, peacebuilding, and inclusive improvement.
He famous that collaboration between each nations has expanded in recent times throughout commerce, agriculture, training, and defence sectors, whereas additionally encouraging higher personal sector involvement.
Hamman added that Nigeria sees vital potential for partnership in areas resembling textiles, prescribed drugs, ICT, and renewable vitality.
He expressed confidence that strengthened cooperation would profit each nations and contribute to broader South–South collaboration and international improvement.
Michael Olugbode
Times Nigeria