Bangladesh High Commissioner Highlights SME Development Success at Nigeria’s National MSME Conference
Oru Leonard
The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, H.E. Mr. Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, has highlighted Bangladesh’s achievements in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), urging stronger knowledge-sharing and bilateral cooperation with Nigeria to promote entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development.
Kabir made the call while participating as a guest at the National MSME Conference 2026, organised by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in Lagos State.
Speaking at the conference, the Bangladeshi envoy outlined his country’s progress in developing the SME sector through supportive government policies, financial assistance, entrepreneurship development, market linkages, skills acquisition, technological advancement and increased youth participation.
He described SMEs as critical drivers of economic growth, employment generation, innovation and social development, noting their significant contributions to poverty reduction and inclusive economic prosperity.
The High Commissioner stressed that Bangladesh’s experience in building a vibrant SME ecosystem offers valuable lessons for Nigeria, particularly in strengthening small businesses, improving access to opportunities and promoting sustainable economic development.
He expressed optimism that increased cooperation between Bangladesh and Nigeria in the SME sector would facilitate knowledge exchange, encourage entrepreneurship and unlock new business opportunities for both countries.
The conference featured opening remarks by the Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii, while the keynote address was delivered by the Co-founder of Oando Group, Mr. Wale Tinubu.
Other distinguished participants included the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, representing the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and representatives of the governors of Bayelsa and Katsina states.
Members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of government institutions, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), as well as prominent stakeholders from the public and private sectors, also attended the conference.
The participation of the Bangladesh High Commissioner further underscores the growing interest in strengthening Bangladesh-Nigeria economic relations, particularly through SME development, private-sector partnerships, technology transfer and entrepreneurship.
(FB)
