Abuja: President Bola Tinubu announced Nigeria's intention to enhance its partnership with Denmark, focusing on livestock development, agribusiness, and educational initiatives. This announcement was made during a meeting at the State House with Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark, who is in Nigeria as a Patron of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this marks the Queen's first official visit to Nigeria. During the meeting, President Tinubu, joined by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, highlighted the potential of Nigeria's dairy and livestock sector to bolster food security and reduce poverty. The President underscored that strategic investments and educational advancements are vital to resolving the ongoing herder-farmer conflicts and promoting economic opportunities.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of transforming current challenges into structured economic prospects, thereby enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and herders. He stressed the necessity of stabilizing communities and advancing food systems to alleviate poverty across the nation. Furthermore, he reiterated Nigeria's commitment to demographic strategies as part of its foreign policy through the Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on agriculture, education, healthcare, and job creation in anticipation of a population surge to 400 million by 2050.
The President commended Denmark's contributions to Nigeria's agricultural and maritime infrastructure, specifically acknowledging the impact of companies like A.P. Moller-Maersk and Grundfos. He also praised Denmark's humanitarian efforts for internally displaced persons in conflict zones, expressing optimism for enhanced cooperation as Denmark prepares for future roles in the EU Council and the UN Security Council.
On the social front, Tinubu welcomed Denmark's collaboration with Nigeria's First Lady to improve school feeding programs and reduce the number of out-of-school children. First Lady Oluremi Tinubu highlighted the importance of integrating traditional Islamic schools into the formal educational system.
In response, Queen Mary expressed gratitude for the warm reception and concern over Nigeria's humanitarian challenges, particularly in the northeast. Her visit aims to reinforce bilateral relations and explore investments in green energy, women-led enterprises, and child health initiatives. Queen Mary also emphasized the importance of cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations, praising the First Lady's Renewed Hope Initiative for empowering women and families.
Denmark, she noted, remains a steadfast development partner to Nigeria, especially in providing humanitarian aid to displaced populations. The Queen is scheduled to visit A.P. Moller-Maersk's terminal in Lagos as part of her itinerary in Nigeria.