The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in key sectors including energy, trade, security, and investment.
This followed a meeting on Wednesday, 3rd June 2026, when the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, received in audience the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, His Excellency Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, in Abuja.
Signed:
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Wednesday, 3 June 2026
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including the recent election of Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Khalilur Rahman, as President-elect of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on 2 June 2026. The President-elect is expected to formally assume office when the session convenes in September in New York, United States.
The Bangladeshi envoy expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s support and called for continued collaboration in areas of mutual interest, while the Permanent Secretary congratulated the Government and people of Bangladesh on the global recognition, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s tenure and advancing cooperation on South-South collaboration and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The two sides also discussed the need to strengthen political consultation mechanisms between both countries, facilitate exchange visits at ministerial level, and fast-track the conclusion of pending agreements, including the proposed Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation.
On energy cooperation, the High Commissioner highlighted ongoing efforts to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the importation of petroleum and gas products from Nigeria, noting Bangladesh’s intention to diversify its energy import sources and deepen engagement with Nigeria as a strategic partner. The Permanent Secretary assured that the Federal Government is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum to expedite the process.
Reiterating Nigeria’s economic priorities under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Permanent Secretary also encouraged Bangladeshi investors to explore opportunities in mining, pharmaceuticals, ICT, and agriculture. He further underscored Nigeria’s interest in partnering with Bangladeshi businesses to revitalise the textile industry, aimed at boosting industrial productivity and addressing youth unemployment.
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On security cooperation, both parties discussed enhanced collaboration in military and intelligence sharing to address shared threats, including terrorism. The Permanent Secretary also sought Bangladesh’s support for Nigeria’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2030–2031 term.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to finalise dates for the inaugural session of the bilateral consultation mechanism, aimed at institutionalising regular high-level engagement and further strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Bangladesh.
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