The Nigeria Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce led by its President, Navy Captain (NN) Usman Hamidu (rtd) on Thursday 9th January 2020 paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai at Army headquarters to seek for collaboration with Nigerian Army (NA) in the areas of commerce, business development and military capacity enhancement.
Navy Captain Hamidu (rtd) who was accompanied by some officials of the chamber said they are at the Army Headquarters to introduce to the NA some of their services and to seek for collaboration in the areas of ship building, textile development, pharmaceutical and agriculture.
He further stated that “Bangladesh is ready to assist the NA in manpower and skill development in the above mentioned areas”.
“While we were at the National Defence University in Bangladesh, we observed that a lot of businesses were taking place informally between people of Nigeria and Bangladesh. A lot of entities were sceptical about conducting business with Nigerians because of stories they heard and other things.
” So we decided to come up with this, to advance this frontiers of business between the two countries. Our focus is in the area of pharmaceuticals, argriculture, textiles, ship building and ICT.
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Emphasizing that Bangladesh is noted for production of very good drugs and hospital equipment, Capt. Hamidu said “We know the Nigerian Army is into agriculture, pharmacy because it has a drugs faculty and hospitals located in all it formations all over the country.
“Bangladesh is noted for high quality drugs and cheap but quality equipment which the Nigerian Army can leverage on. Also, the Nigerian Army Amphibious brigade and formation can cash in on the quality amphibious equipment which is of high quality and cheaper than other parts of the world to produce..
Capt. Hamidu (rtd) also disclosed that as a distinguished alumnus of the National Defence University of Bangladesh, the Chamber has proposed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai should become its patron, whenever, he is chanced, to assume the position.
In his remarks at the occasion, the representative of the COAS Lt Gen LO Adeosun said the Nigerian Army is ready to collaborate with institutions and organizations that will add value to what the NA is doing especially in the areas highlighted by the chamber.
He told the visitors of the various efforts made so far by the army under the able leadership of Lt Gen TY Buratai in the areas of Agricultural development and Barracks investment Initiative.
“Our farm and ranches in Giri can boast of 800 herds of cow. We look forward for more avenue to partner in areas that would further advance the course of agricultural development in Nigeria in line with the NA’s desire to contribute positively in this regard”. he said.
“As at today, we have over 800 herds of Cattle in our ranch in Abuja and when you add others from other parts of the country. We are talking if thousands. We are also breeding horses for export”
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