TINUBU SEEKS STRONGER TIES WITH DENMARK TO BOOST DAIRY, LIVESTOCK SECTOR AND TACKLE FOOD SECURITY

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding its dairy and livestock economy, highlighting the sector’s potential to drive job creation, rural development, and national food security amid a rapidly growing population.

The President made this known on Tuesday at the State House, Abuja, during a courtesy visit by Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark, who was in Nigeria for the first time in her capacity as Patron of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Speaking during the visit, President Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Denmark in areas such as knowledge transfer, veterinary health, and sustainable agricultural practices. He acknowledged that while conflicts between farmers and herders remain a serious security challenge, they could be turned into economic opportunities through modernization and investment in education.

“We can convert that friction into structured economic opportunity and provide education pathways—even for farmers and herders. We can stabilise communities, grow our food systems, and lift millions out of poverty,” he said.

Reinforcing his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu identified demographic growth as a key pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy. With the population projected to hit 400 million by 2050, he stressed the urgency of investing in agriculture, education, healthcare, and job creation to ensure long-term stability and prosperity.

The President also welcomed continued foreign investment and applauded Denmark’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy through companies like A.P. Moller–Maersk and Grundfos, which are actively involved in the country’s maritime and infrastructure sectors. He also appreciated Denmark’s humanitarian support for internally displaced persons in conflict-affected regions.

With Denmark set to assume the presidency of the European Union Council and a seat on the United Nations Security Council in 2025–2026, Tinubu expressed optimism about greater diplomatic and economic collaboration between both nations.

On the social front, President Tinubu praised the partnership between Queen Mary and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, particularly in initiatives focused on school feeding programmes and efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children.

The First Lady also emphasised the importance of integrating traditional Islamic schools into the formal education system to ensure broader access to recognised learning.

In her remarks, Queen Mary thanked President Tinubu and the First Lady for the warm reception. She expressed sympathy for communities affected by the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s northeast and highlighted her mission to strengthen ties with Nigeria. Her focus, she said, includes promoting green economy initiatives, women-led businesses, child health, and cultural exchanges.

She commended the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative Programme for supporting women and families and disclosed plans to visit the A.P. Moller–Maersk terminal in Lagos as part of her business engagement.

Denmark and Nigeria share a longstanding partnership rooted in sustainable development, humanitarian aid, and mutual economic interests.