President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday hosted Her Majesty Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark at the State House in Abuja, marking the Queen’s first-ever official visit to Nigeria. The visit, co-hosted by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, focused on expanding Nigeria–Denmark cooperation in livestock development, education, and social welfare.

 

According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the meeting reinforced Denmark’s long-standing partnership with Nigeria in sustainable development and humanitarian assistance, particularly in support of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in conflict-affected regions.

 

President Tinubu emphasized the untapped potential of Nigeria’s livestock and dairy sector, calling it a key pillar for job creation, food security, and rural transformation.

 

“The ongoing tensions between farmers and herders can be turned into structured economic opportunities. By investing in education, veterinary services, and food systems, we can stabilise communities and lift millions out of poverty,” Tinubu stated.

 

 

 

He urged Denmark to deepen its engagement in areas such as veterinary health, agribusiness, and knowledge transfer, praising existing Danish investments through companies like A.P. Moller–Maersk and Grundfos, which have contributed to Nigeria’s infrastructure and food security.

 

The President also linked the bilateral agenda to his Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that Nigeria’s projected population of 400 million by 2050 demands targeted foreign investment in education, agriculture, healthcare, and job creation.

 

On the social development front, Tinubu welcomed the partnership between Queen Mary and the First Lady, especially in areas such as school feeding programmes and reducing the number of out-of-school children.

 

Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu highlighted the need to modernize and formally integrate Islamic schools into Nigeria’s broader education system, as part of her push for inclusive educational reform.

 

In her remarks, Queen Mary expressed gratitude for the warm reception and extended her sympathies regarding the humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria. She affirmed Denmark’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria through green economy initiatives, women’s empowerment, child health, and cultural exchanges.

 

She praised the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative and announced plans to visit the A.P. Moller–Maersk terminal in Lagos as part of a business-focused leg of her trip.