Tinubu, Queen of Denmark seek closer ties on livestock, education, green economy

President Bola Tinubu has called for deeper cooperation between Nigeria and Denmark in livestock development, dairy production, and education, highlighting the sector’s potential for economic growth, job creation, and national food security.

The President made the call on Tuesday while hosting Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark at the State House in Abuja. The Danish monarch, visiting Nigeria for the first time as Patron of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), was co-hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

President Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s large and growing population makes it imperative to develop a robust livestock and dairy economy through knowledge sharing, veterinary health collaboration, and sustainable agribusiness practices.

He acknowledged the challenges posed by farmer-herder conflicts but expressed confidence that modernisation and education could transform these tensions into economic opportunities.

“We can convert that friction into structured economic opportunity and provide education pathways—even for farmers and herders. We can stabilise communities, grow our food systems, and lift millions out of poverty,” Tinubu said.

The President reaffirmed that population dynamics are central to Nigeria’s foreign policy and his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that targeted investments in agriculture, education, healthcare, and employment are critical to managing Nigeria’s projected population of 400 million by 2050.

He also highlighted ongoing economic reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment to strengthen local production and boost job creation. Tinubu praised Danish investments in agriculture and maritime operations, commending companies like A.P. Moller–Maersk and Grundfos for their role in enhancing Nigeria’s infrastructure and food systems.

The President further acknowledged Denmark’s humanitarian support for internally displaced persons and expressed optimism about continued cooperation, especially as Denmark prepares to assume the presidency of the European Union Council and serve on the UN Security Council (2025–2026).

On social initiatives, President Tinubu lauded the partnership between Queen Mary and Nigeria’s First Lady in promoting school feeding programmes and reducing the number of out-of-school children.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu stressed the need to integrate traditional Islamic schools into the formal education system to broaden access and improve recognition of indigenous learning systems.

In her remarks, Queen Mary expressed sympathy over the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s northeast and affirmed Denmark’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in green economy initiatives, women-led business development, child health, and cultural exchanges.

She praised the First Lady’s efforts through the Renewed Hope Initiative and revealed plans to visit A.P. Moller–Maersk’s Lagos terminal during her visit.

Denmark and Nigeria continue to share a longstanding partnership, particularly in sustainable development and humanitarian support for vulnerable communities in conflict-affected regions.