The Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu has expressed the country’s readiness to deepen ties with Denmark in livestock development, agribusiness, and educational cooperation.
The President made this statement on Tuesday at the State House in Abuja while receiving Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark,the Patron of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), who is visiting Nigeria for the first time.
Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, emphasised the need to expand Nigeria’s dairy and livestock economy to ensure food security and tackle poverty.
He said the sector holds vast potential for job creation and rural growth, especially with Nigeria’s rapidly growing population.
The President expressed optimism that investment, education, and modernisation will help curtail the protracted herder-farmer conflicts in the country.
“We can transform friction into structured economic opportunity and build education pathways for farmers and herders. We can stabilise communities, grow food systems, and lift millions out of poverty,” Tinubu said.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s demographic strategy as a pillar of foreign policy, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President said targeted investments in agriculture, education, healthcare, and jobs are crucial as Nigeria approaches a projected 400 million population by 2050.
He highlighted ongoing macroeconomic reforms and urged for foreign investments that boost local production and employment.
The President acknowledged Danish contributions to agriculture and maritime infrastructure in Nigeria.
He specifically lauded companies like A.P. Moller–Maersk and Grundfos for supporting Nigeria’s infrastructure and food security.
On the social front, Tinubu welcomed Denmark’s partnership with Nigeria’s First Lady on school feeding and reducing out-of-school children.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, in her brief remarks, stressed the importance of integrating traditional Islamic schools into Nigeria’s formal education system.
Responding, Queen Mary thanked the President and First Lady for their warm welcome and expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s northeast.
She said her visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties and explore investment in green energy, women-led businesses, and child health initiatives.
The Queen also emphasised enhancing cultural and educational exchanges between Denmark and Nigeria.
She praised the First Lady’s efforts to empower women and families through the Renewed Hope Initiative Programme.
