Queen Mary Denmark visit boosts Nigeria relations, with President Tinubu calling for deeper cooperation in livestock, education, and foreign investment

[dropcap]Q[/dropcap]ueen Mary of Denmark visit to Nigeria marks a diplomatic milestone as President Bola Tinubu hosted her at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday.

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This was Queen Mary Elizabeth’s first official visit to the country and it was jointly hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The Danish royal’s visit falls under her patronage of the United Nations Population Fund.

President Tinubu used the occasion to call for stronger bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Denmark. He identified livestock development, veterinary health, and education as key areas for collaboration.

According to him, the persistent conflict between farmers and herders could be transformed into a development platform if properly managed.

“We can convert that friction into structured economic opportunity and provide education pathways, even for farmers and herders,” the President said.

He added that such strategies could stabilise communities, improve food systems, and lift many Nigerians out of poverty.

Tinubu also emphasised the urgency of preparing for Nigeria’s future population, which is projected to reach 400 million by 2050.

He noted that Nigeria’s foreign policy must prioritise strategic investments in agriculture, education, healthcare, and employment to ensure national stability.

During the event, the President acknowledged the contributions of Danish companies such as A.P. Moller–Maersk and Grundfos, praising their roles in enhancing Nigeria’s agricultural and maritime infrastructure.

He welcomed further investments aligned with the macroeconomic reforms of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President also commended Denmark’s ongoing support for internally displaced persons in conflict zones, expressing hope for continued collaboration.

He highlighted Denmark’s upcoming leadership roles in the European Union Council and the United Nations Security Council as a sign of its growing global influence.

On the social side, both leaders discussed cooperation in areas such as school feeding and the reduction of out-of-school children.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu focused on educational reform, particularly the inclusion of traditional Islamic schools within Nigeria’s formal education framework.

She called for a structured recognition of the knowledge embedded in those institutions.

In her remarks, Queen Mary expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s warm reception and acknowledged the country’s humanitarian challenges in the Northeast.

She stated her intention to strengthen bilateral relations and explore investment opportunities in green economy projects, trade, child health, and women-led business development.

She also praised the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative and confirmed her plans to tour the A.P. Moller–Maersk terminal in Lagos as part of her official programme.

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This high-level royal engagement underscores the growing international interest in Nigeria’s economic and human development agenda, pointing towards a stronger future partnership between both nations.