…Pushes for dairy economy growth, hails Denmark’s humanitarian support
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday hosted Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, calling for strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and Denmark in livestock development, agricultural education, and humanitarian support.
The Danish Queen, who is in Nigeria on her first official visit as Patron of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), was received alongside Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in what was described as a significant diplomatic engagement between both nations.
President Tinubu, while welcoming the Danish monarch, stressed that Nigeria’s vast dairy and livestock sector must be harnessed as a solution to poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity.
“We can convert friction between farmers and herders into structured economic opportunity. Education, veterinary investment, and modernisation can help us stabilise communities, strengthen food systems, and lift millions out of poverty,” Tinubu said.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s foreign policy was now deeply tied to demography, in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that managing the country’s projected 400 million population by 2050 would require urgent investments in agriculture, education, healthcare, and job creation.
The President also pointed to his government’s macroeconomic reforms and called for foreign direct investment that bolsters local production and sustainable development.
“We are open to partnerships in knowledge transfer, veterinary health, and agribusiness. These are key pillars for rural development and food security,” he noted.
Tinubu applauded Denmark’s long-standing contributions to Nigeria’s agriculture and maritime industries, citing companies like A.P. Moller–Maersk and Grundfos for their critical roles in infrastructure and food systems.
He also acknowledged Denmark’s humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs), especially in Nigeria’s conflict-affected Northeast.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, co-host of the royal visit, underscored the need to reform Nigeria’s educational sector.
She called for the formal recognition of knowledge offered in traditional Islamic schools, as part of broader reforms aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children.
The First Lady also commended Queen Mary’s support through UNFPA, particularly in maternal and child health, school feeding initiatives, and female empowerment under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Queen Mary expressed sympathy over the humanitarian crisis in parts of Nigeria and pledged continued Danish support for development, women-led businesses, and climate-resilient investments.
“We are here to strengthen our ties, explore green economy opportunities, expand trade, and deepen educational exchanges,” she said.
She also confirmed her visit to Maersk’s terminal in Lagos, reflecting the economic dimension of her trip.
