By Prosper Mene
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday welcomed Her Majesty Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark to the State House in Abuja, citing the need for enhanced bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Denmark in key sectors such as livestock development, veterinary health, and education. The visit, marking Queen Mary’s first official trip to Nigeria since ascending the throne in 2024, shows the growing diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
During the courtesy visit, President Tinubu, joined by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s dairy and livestock sector to drive job creation, rural development, and food security, given the country’s rapidly growing population. He called for deepened collaboration with Denmark, a global leader in sustainable agribusiness, to facilitate knowledge transfer and improve veterinary health practices. “With our projected population of 400 million by 2050, strategic investments in agriculture, education, and healthcare are critical,” Tinubu stated, syncing his vision with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President also commended Denmark’s investments in Nigeria’s agriculture and maritime sectors, citing contributions from companies like A.P. Moller–Maersk and Grundfos. He urged increased foreign investment to support local production and job creation, while acknowledging Denmark’s humanitarian support for internally displaced persons in Nigeria’s conflict-affected Northeast.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu emphasized educational reform, particularly the integration of traditional Islamic schools into Nigeria’s broader educational framework. “We must formally recognize the knowledge these schools offer and bring them into our wider educational structure,” she said, advocating for inclusive education policies.
Queen Mary, visiting as Patron of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), expressed gratitude for the warm reception and extended solidarity over Nigeria’s Northeast humanitarian crisis. She reiterated Denmark’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development goals, particularly in sustainable agriculture and education, as her country prepares to assume the presidency of the European Union Council and a UN Security Council seat in 2025–2026.
The visit, which included discussions on potential Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in sectors like agricultural technology and cultural exchange, signals a new chapter in Nigeria-Denmark relations. Analysts see this as part of President Tinubu’s broader push to strengthen economic diplomacy, following his recent engagements at the West Africa Economic Summit and ECOWAS meetings.
While Nigeria grapples with economic challenges and a growing population, the call for collaboration with Denmark offers a pathway to leverage global expertise for local solutions, particularly in empowering women and youth through education and agriculture. The outcomes of this visit are expected to shape future bilateral initiatives, with both nations poised to harness their partnership for mutual prosperity.
