By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, His Excellency Mr. Miah Md Mainul Kabir, has reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to deepening defence and maritime security cooperation with the Nigerian Navy.
This was disclosed during a high-level engagement with the Chief of the Naval Staff on Wednesday, according to a statement signed by the Director Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.
The High Commissioner underscored the longstanding cordial relations between the two countries and the importance of translating that relationship into practical areas of cooperation. He identified key areas of collaboration to include maritime security, professional training, technology exchange, naval shipbuilding and defence-industrial development.
Responding, the Chief of the Naval Staff appreciated the High Commissioner and his delegation for the visit. He highlighted Nigeria’s operational experience in combating piracy and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea, noting that such experience provides opportunities for professional exchanges and shared learning.
The CNS emphasised the importance of stronger cooperation among regional navies in addressing maritime threats that transcend national boundaries. He also referenced Nigeria’s participation in multinational maritime security initiatives, including engagement with the Combined Maritime Task Force, as a framework that could be leveraged to counter militancy on the maritime border between Myanmar and Bangladesh.
The engagement further explored opportunities for training and professional exchanges, naval technology, shipbuilding and indigenous industrial development. The Nigerian Navy expressed interest in Bangladesh’s garment manufacturing industry, noting it as a potential area for knowledge sharing to support local production of military uniforms. Discussions also examined prospects for technical cooperation in naval shipbuilding.
The engagement concluded with an invitation for the Chief of the Naval Staff to undertake a visit to Bangladesh to further advance areas of mutual interest.
The meeting underscores the importance of sustained engagement between the Nigerian Navy and other world navies to strengthen maritime security, develop professional and technical capacity, promote indigenous defence-industrial capabilities, and advance mutually beneficial bilateral relations.
