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Bangladesh Envoy Seeks Stronger Nigeria Ties, Laments Low Bilateral Trade

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Bangladesh Envoy Seeks Stronger Nigeria Ties, Laments Low Bilateral Trade

By: Michael Mike

The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, has expressed concern over the relatively low volume of trade between the two countries, describing it as far below its actual potential despite the strong diplomatic ties that have existed for decades.

Kabir made the remarks in Abuja while addressing guests at the celebration of the 55th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day. He stressed that expanding economic cooperation between both countries would remain a key focus of his diplomatic mission.

According to him, although trade between Nigeria and Bangladesh has recorded gradual growth over the years, the level of commercial exchange does not reflect the enormous opportunities available to both nations.

“Bilateral trade between our two countries has grown steadily yet remains well below its true potential,” he said. “Bangladesh offers competitively priced, high-quality products in textiles and garments, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, jute goods, processed foods and ICT services, while Nigeria, with its vast market, energy resources and agricultural depth, presents significant opportunities for stronger trade relations.”

The envoy highlighted agriculture as one of the most promising areas for collaboration, pointing particularly to contract farming as a new pathway for expanding bilateral economic engagement.

He explained that Bangladesh’s experience in high-yield and climate-adaptive agricultural production could be combined with Nigeria’s vast arable land and growing agro-processing industry to boost productivity and food security in both countries.

To unlock these opportunities, Kabir said Bangladesh is now intensifying its diplomatic and economic engagement with African nations, with Nigeria occupying a strategic position in that effort.

“Bangladesh is placing renewed focus on strengthening our partnerships in Africa, particularly with Nigeria — a country of immense dynamism, influence and opportunity,” he said.

The High Commissioner noted that the two countries share long-standing cordial relations rooted in similar historical experiences, youthful populations and shared democratic aspirations.

He added that both nations have consistently worked together within major international organisations 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.

According to him, the partnership between the two countries reflects a broader commitment to South–South cooperation and collective efforts by developing nations to promote shared prosperity and global development.

Beyond trade, Kabir identified several other sectors where Nigeria and Bangladesh could deepen collaboration, including education, skills development, digital innovation, technical training and defence cooperation, particularly in professional military training and peacekeeping operations.

He also emphasised the importance of people-to-people engagement, noting that stronger cultural exchanges, academic partnerships and youth cooperation would further strengthen the bond between both nations.

The envoy used the occasion to commend Bangladeshi nationals living and working in Nigeria, describing them as responsible representatives of their country abroad.

“You are exemplary ambassadors of our nation,” he said. “Your hard work and integrity contribute significantly to the economies of Bangladesh and Nigeria and strengthen the bond between our peoples.”

Kabir also reflected on Bangladesh’s development journey over the past five and a half decades, noting that the country has emerged as a significant economic force among developing nations.

According to him, Bangladesh’s nominal gross domestic product is approaching half a trillion dollars, placing the country among the 35 largest economies in the world and making it a leading example of socio-economic progress in the Global South.

In his remarks, Director of Regions at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bukar Hamman, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Bangladesh.

Hamman said both countries share a strong belief in multilateral cooperation, peacebuilding and inclusive development.

“Both our nations have contributed significantly to United Nations peace operations, demonstrating mutual dedication to global peace and security,” he said.

He noted that bilateral engagement between Nigeria and Bangladesh has continued to expand in recent years, particularly in trade, agriculture, education and defence cooperation.

Hamman also welcomed the growing presence of Bangladeshi businesses in Nigeria and encouraged deeper collaboration between private sector actors from both countries.

“There is vast potential for collaboration in textiles, pharmaceuticals, ICT and renewable energy sectors where Bangladesh has developed notable expertise,” he said.

“As we look to the future, Nigeria remains committed to strengthening our ties with Bangladesh. Enhanced cooperation between our two countries will not only benefit our peoples but also contribute to stronger South–South cooperation and global development efforts.”

He added that the celebration of Bangladesh’s independence anniversary was not only an opportunity to reflect on the country’s historical journey but also a moment to recognise its aspirations for continued peace, innovation and progress.

Hamman stressed that Nigeria values Bangladesh as a trusted partner and friend, expressing confidence that the relationship between the two nations would continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.

Bangladesh Envoy Seeks Stronger Nigeria Ties, Laments Low Bilateral Trade

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.

Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.

Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.

The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.

The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.

Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.

The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.

“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.

However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.

“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”

In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.

“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.

The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.

Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

By: Michael Mike

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.

According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.

Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.

He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.

The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.

The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.

Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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