The Nigerian Navy and Bangladesh have advanced discussions on strengthening cooperation in maritime security, naval shipbuilding, professional training and defence-industrial development.
The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, His Excellency Miah Md Mainul Kabir, disclosed this during a high-level engagement with the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), where he reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to deepening defence and maritime security relations with Nigeria.
According to a statement signed by the Director, Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the High Commissioner stressed the need to translate the longstanding cordial relations between both countries into practical areas of defence cooperation.
Kabir identified maritime security, professional training, technology exchange, naval shipbuilding and defence-industrial development as key areas where both countries could expand collaboration.
Responding, the Chief of the Naval Staff appreciated the High Commissioner and his delegation for the visit, highlighting the Nigerian Navy’s operational experience in combating piracy and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
The CNS said Nigeria’s experience in maritime security operations offered opportunities for professional exchanges and shared learning between the two navies.
He also emphasised the need for stronger cooperation among regional navies in tackling maritime threats that transcend national boundaries.
The CNS referenced Nigeria’s participation in multinational maritime security initiatives, including its engagement with the Combined Maritime Task Force, as a framework that could be leveraged in efforts to counter militancy along the maritime border between Myanmar and Bangladesh.
The discussions also examined prospects for technical cooperation in naval shipbuilding, with both sides exploring ways to enhance indigenous defence-industrial capabilities.
The Nigerian Navy expressed interest in Bangladesh’s garment manufacturing industry as a potential area for knowledge sharing, particularly in supporting local production of military uniforms.
The engagement further explored opportunities for training and professional exchanges as well as cooperation in naval technology and industrial development.
The meeting concluded with an invitation for the Chief of the Naval Staff to visit Bangladesh, which is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to further advance discussions on areas of mutual interest.
The engagement underscores the growing interest of Nigeria and Bangladesh in strengthening maritime security cooperation, developing naval and technical capacity and promoting indigenous defence-industrial capabilities.
