The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, has called for stronger economic and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Bangladesh, expressing concern that current trade levels remain far below their potential.
Kabir made the remarks in Abuja during celebrations marking the 55th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day, where he stressed that expanding bilateral economic cooperation remains a key priority of his diplomatic mission in Nigeria.
He noted that while trade between both countries has grown steadily over the years, it still does not reflect the scale of opportunities available on both sides.
“Bilateral trade between our two countries has grown steadily yet remains well below its true potential,” he said, highlighting Bangladesh’s competitive exports in textiles, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, jute products, processed foods, and ICT services, alongside Nigeria’s large market, energy resources, and agricultural capacity.
The envoy identified agriculture as a particularly promising area for collaboration, pointing to contract farming as a viable model for deeper engagement. He said Bangladesh’s expertise in climate-resilient and high-yield agriculture could complement Nigeria’s vast arable land to improve food security and productivity.
Kabir added that Nigeria remains a strategic focus in Bangladesh’s renewed diplomatic and economic outreach to Africa, describing the country as a dynamic partner with significant economic potential.
He noted that both countries share long-standing cordial relations built on similar developmental experiences, youthful populations, and shared democratic values, and have consistently cooperated within multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Beyond trade, Kabir highlighted opportunities for cooperation in education, skills development, digital innovation, technical training, and defence collaboration, particularly in peacekeeping operations and professional military training. He also emphasised the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties through cultural and academic exchanges.
The High Commissioner commended Bangladeshi nationals residing in Nigeria, describing them as “exemplary ambassadors” whose contributions support both economies and deepen bilateral ties.
He further noted Bangladesh’s economic progress over the past five decades, stating that its gross domestic product is nearing half a trillion dollars, placing it among the world’s largest economies and a leading example of development in the Global South.
Speaking at the same event, Director of Regions at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bukar Hamman, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relations with Bangladesh.
He said both countries share strong commitments to multilateral cooperation, peacebuilding, and inclusive development, noting their joint contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Hamman added that there is significant untapped potential for collaboration in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, ICT, agriculture, and renewable energy, where Bangladesh has developed notable expertise.
He expressed optimism that enhanced private sector engagement and sustained diplomatic cooperation would further strengthen South–South collaboration between both countries, while delivering mutual economic and developmental benefits.
