President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and First Lady Remi Tinubu welcomed Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The visit marks the Queen’s first trip to Nigeria as Patron of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
In his remarks, President Tinubu underscored the growing potential of Nigeria’s livestock and dairy economy, recognising it as a crucial avenue for job creation, rural development, and food security. As the nation’s population continues to rise, Tinubu emphasised the need to harness the sector’s potential to tackle unemployment and enhance food production.
“The dairy and livestock sector holds immense promise,” Tinubu stated, adding that “we can convert the friction between farmers and herders into structured economic opportunity through education and investment.”
The President also addressed one of Nigeria’s most pressing security challenges: the ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders. He expressed optimism that these conflicts could be turned into productive ventures by modernising agriculture and providing educational pathways to the affected communities.
Nigeria’s demographic growth is central to Tinubu’s foreign policy agenda, with the country expected to reach a population of 400 million by 2050. The President reiterated that strategic investments in agriculture, education, and healthcare are essential to managing this rapid population increase.
The visit also provided an opportunity to deepen Nigeria’s collaboration with Denmark in various sectors, including agribusiness, veterinary health, and sustainable farming practices. The President recognised Denmark’s contributions to Nigeria, especially in the fields of agriculture and maritime operations, with companies like A.P. Moller–Maersk and Grundfos playing pivotal roles in strengthening Nigeria’s infrastructure and food systems.
Tinubu further praised Denmark’s humanitarian efforts, especially its support for internally displaced persons in conflict-affected regions of Nigeria, noting that this partnership is vital to promoting sustainable development in the country.
Additionally, the First Lady, alongside Queen Mary, highlighted their ongoing partnership aimed at addressing educational challenges, particularly initiatives like school feeding programmes and reducing the number of out-of-school children.
Queen Mary Elizabeth expressed her gratitude to the Nigerian leaders for the warm welcome and shared her commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. She stated that her visit would focus on exploring new opportunities in the green economy, trade, business development for women, and educational exchanges. The Queen also commended the First Lady for her efforts to support women and families through her Renewed Hope Initiative.
Queen Mary also remarked on her planned visit to the A.P. Moller–Maersk terminal in Lagos, a key business stop on her trip. She extended her sympathies over the challenges in Nigeria’s northeast, further reinforcing Denmark’s commitment to assisting in the nation’s humanitarian efforts.
This meeting underscores the long-standing partnership between Denmark and Nigeria, focusing on advancing sustainable development, promoting green energy solutions, and enhancing educational exchanges.
