By Saminu Ibrahim
The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, Miah Md Mainul Kabir, has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening defence and maritime security cooperation with the Nigerian Navy.
Kabir made this known on Wednesday during a high-level engagement with the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), where he identified maritime security, professional training, technology exchange, naval shipbuilding and defence-industrial development as key areas for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
The envoy underscored the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and Bangladesh, stressing the need to translate the relationship into practical and mutually beneficial areas of cooperation.
Responding, the Chief of the Naval Staff appreciated the High Commissioner and his delegation for the visit, while highlighting Nigeria’s operational experience in combating piracy and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
He said Nigeria’s experience provides opportunities for professional exchanges and shared learning, while emphasising the need for stronger cooperation among regional navies to tackle maritime threats that transcend national boundaries.
The CNS also referenced Nigeria’s participation in multinational maritime security initiatives, including the Combined Maritime Task Force, as a possible framework for addressing maritime threats along the Myanmar-Bangladesh maritime border.
The meeting further explored opportunities in naval training, technology, shipbuilding and indigenous defence-industrial development.
The Nigerian Navy also expressed interest in Bangladesh’s garment manufacturing industry, particularly its potential to support local production of military uniforms through knowledge and technology sharing.
Both sides equally examined prospects for technical cooperation in naval shipbuilding.
The engagement concluded with an invitation to the Chief of the Naval Staff to visit Bangladesh to further advance areas of mutual interest.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to sustained military engagement, enhanced maritime security, professional capacity development and the promotion of indigenous defence-industrial capabilities.
