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ABUJA — The Federal Government has been urged to deepen diplomatic and economic engagement with Bangladesh by establishing a resident Nigerian Embassy in Dhaka and leveraging the South Asian nation’s development experience to accelerate Nigeria’s economic growth.

The recommendation was made by Nigerian media and business development practitioner, Oru Leonard Oru, during the 2026 July Martyrs’ Day commemoration organised by the Bangladesh High Commission in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Oru described Bangladesh as one of the world’s leading examples of inclusive economic transformation, noting that the country’s achievements provide valuable lessons for Nigeria in its quest for sustainable development and job creation.

Having visited Bangladesh on several occasions, he said he had observed the country’s impressive progress across critical sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, microfinance, the blue economy, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and youth entrepreneurship.

According to him, Nigeria and Bangladesh share many socio-economic characteristics, including youthful populations, developing economies, Commonwealth membership, rich cultural diversity and abundant natural and human resources, creating a solid foundation for stronger bilateral cooperation.

Oru said Bangladesh’s remarkable economic rise demonstrates the impact of visionary leadership, strategic policy implementation and sustained investment in human capital.

He identified agriculture, livestock production, garment manufacturing, fisheries, blue economy development, women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and microfinance as areas where Nigeria could benefit from Bangladesh’s experience.

He particularly praised Bangladesh’s globally recognised microfinance system, which he said has transformed millions of lives by providing access to finance for women, rural dwellers and small-scale entrepreneurs.

According to him, adapting similar financing models could stimulate the growth of Nigeria’s SME sector, expand financial inclusion and contribute significantly to poverty reduction.

The media practitioner also stressed the need for greater collaboration in food production, fisheries and marine resource development, arguing that partnerships in these sectors would help Nigeria maximise the economic potential of its extensive coastal and inland waterways.

He further advocated enhanced cooperation in education, pharmaceutical manufacturing, digital technology, innovation, skills development and industrial production to strengthen trade and investment relations between both countries.

Oru called on the Federal Government to establish a resident Nigerian Embassy in Dhaka, describing it as a strategic step that would enhance diplomatic engagement, facilitate bilateral trade, attract investment, improve consular services and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

He added that the embassy would also promote tourism, cultural exchanges, institutional partnerships and stronger people-to-people relations.

Commending the Bangladesh High Commission in Abuja for hosting the July Martyrs’ Day remembrance, Oru described the event as an important reminder of the enduring values of democracy, justice, national unity and good governance.

He expressed optimism that closer Nigeria-Bangladesh cooperation would unlock new economic opportunities, strengthen South-South collaboration and deliver long-term benefits for the peoples of both nations.