In a strategic move to bolster Nigeria’s livestock and dairy sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed readiness to strengthen bilateral ties with Denmark, particularly in areas of sustainable agriculture, veterinary health, and educational innovation. This comes as Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark, Patron of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), paid her first official visit to Nigeria on June 24, 2025.

During the high-level engagement at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the critical role of livestock development in tackling rural poverty, creating jobs, and improving national food security amidst Nigeria’s fast-growing population.

“We can transform long-standing conflicts between farmers and herders into structured economic opportunities,” Tinubu stated. “Through education, investment, and modernization of pastoral systems, we can strengthen our food systems and stabilize communities.”

The Nigerian President reiterated his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, placing demographic management and agricultural transformation at the center of Nigeria’s development pathway. He highlighted the dairy and livestock industry as ripe for foreign investment, especially in climate-smart practices, veterinary innovation, and local production systems.

Tinubu acknowledged existing Danish contributions to Nigeria’s food ecosystem, citing companies like A.P. Moller–Maersk and Grundfos for their roles in agricultural logistics and water infrastructure. He also welcomed Denmark’s humanitarian support to displaced communities in crisis-affected regions.

On the social development front, President Tinubu applauded the collaboration between Queen Mary and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, particularly on school feeding programs and reducing the number of out-of-school children. The First Lady further emphasized the need to integrate traditional Islamic education into the formal school system to promote inclusive learning.

Queen Mary, in her remarks, expressed admiration for Nigeria’s efforts to reform agriculture and improve livelihoods. She emphasized Denmark’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in areas such as the green economy, women-led entrepreneurship, maternal and child health, and cultural exchange.

“We see immense opportunities for trade, sustainability, and community development. Denmark stands ready to build stronger bridges with Nigeria,” Queen Mary noted.

The visit is seen as a diplomatic milestone with the potential to unlock investments in Nigeria’s agribusiness landscape, particularly in the dairy value chain and livestock infrastructure—both of which are key pillars in Nigeria’s food security agenda.