A Nigerian media and business development practitioner, Oru Leonard Oru, has called on the Federal Government to deepen bilateral relations with Bangladesh by establishing a Nigerian Embassy in Dhaka and adopting the South Asian nation’s successful development models in key sectors of the economy.
Speaking at the 2026 July Martyrs’ Day commemoration at the Bangladesh High Commission in Abuja on Thursday, Oru described Bangladesh as one of the world’s most remarkable development success stories, noting that Nigeria stands to benefit immensely from closer cooperation with the country.
A regular visitor to Bangladesh, Oru said he has witnessed firsthand the country’s rapid transformation over the years, particularly in infrastructure, agriculture, blue economy, small and medium-scale enterprises, microfinance, healthcare, manufacturing and youth entrepreneurship.
According to him, Bangladesh’s development trajectory offers practical lessons that Nigeria can adapt to accelerate inclusive economic growth and create employment opportunities for millions of young people.
He observed that Nigeria and Bangladesh share several similarities, including large youthful populations, membership of the Commonwealth, developing economies, rich cultural diversity and enormous human and natural resources.
“Bangladesh has demonstrated that with visionary leadership, sound policies and investment in people, remarkable economic transformation is achievable. Nigeria can learn valuable lessons from Bangladesh’s experiences in agriculture, livestock production, blue economy, garment manufacturing, small-scale financing, women’s economic empowerment and start-up development,” he said.
Oru noted that Bangladesh’s globally recognised microfinance model has empowered millions of entrepreneurs, particularly women and rural communities, stressing that similar initiatives could significantly boost Nigeria’s small business sector and reduce poverty.
He also highlighted Bangladesh’s achievements in food production and fisheries, saying stronger collaboration in agriculture and the blue economy would help Nigeria unlock the vast potential of its coastal and inland water resources.
The media practitioner further advocated enhanced cooperation in education, technology transfer, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, digital innovation and skills development to strengthen economic ties between both countries.
He urged the Federal Government to establish a resident Nigerian Embassy in Dhaka, saying the move would facilitate trade and investment, improve diplomatic engagement, enhance consular services for Nigerians, and create new opportunities for business partnerships between the two countries.
According to him, a resident embassy would also promote stronger people-to-people exchanges, tourism, cultural diplomacy and institutional collaboration.
Oru commended the Bangladesh High Commission in Abuja for organising the July Martyrs’ Day remembrance, describing the event as a solemn reflection on the importance of democracy, justice, national unity and good governance.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria and Bangladesh would continue to strengthen their bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of their peoples while working together to advance sustainable development and South-South cooperation.
