President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday hosted Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark at the State House in Abuja, calling for deeper bilateral cooperation in livestock development, education, and sustainable economic practices.

Queen Mary, in Nigeria on her first official visit as Patron of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), was accompanied by senior Danish officials and warmly received by President Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

In remarks during the courtesy visit, President Tinubu underscored the vast potential of Nigeria’s dairy and livestock sector, describing it as critical to job creation, rural revitalisation, and national food security.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed readiness to expand collaboration with Denmark in areas such as veterinary science, sustainable agribusiness, and modern livestock practices.

“With our population growing rapidly, the dairy and livestock economy holds enormous promise. But we must modernise it. We can convert the farmer-herder conflict into structured economic opportunity and create educational pathways for both communities”, the President said.

He stressed that resolving the recurring conflict between farmers and herders requires not just security interventions, but strategic investments in education, innovation, and agricultural reform.

President Tinubu reaffirmed that population dynamics remain central to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and foreign policy focus.

Nigeria, he said, must prepare for its projected population of 400 million by 2050 through smart investments in education, health, agriculture, and employment creation.

He welcomed Denmark’s longstanding development partnership and acknowledged the contributions of major Danish companies like A.P. Moller–Maersk and Grundfos to Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and food systems.

“We value Danish support in humanitarian efforts, particularly for our displaced populations. We also look forward to a strengthened partnership as Denmark assumes the Presidency of the EU Council and a seat on the UN Security Council in 2025–2026,” President Tinubu added.

On economic matters, the President reiterated his administration’s commitment to macroeconomic reforms that enhance local production, attract foreign investment, and generate employment.

He invited Denmark and other development partners to align their investments with Nigeria’s domestic priorities.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commended Queen Mary’s visit and highlighted their shared interest in child welfare, women’s empowerment, and access to education.

She advocated for the formal recognition of knowledge offered in traditional Islamic schools as part of broader education reforms under her Renewed Hope Initiative.

“Our focus is on giving every Nigerian child access to quality education, whether in formal or non-formal settings. This includes transforming almajiri schools and integrating them into national development goals,” she said.

Queen Mary, who expressed admiration for the First Lady’s advocacy for women and families, said her visit to Nigeria aims to reinforce ties and explore areas of mutual interest, including child health, business development for women, and the green economy.

“I commend the President and the First Lady for their leadership. I am especially pleased to see Denmark’s development values reflected in our partnership with Nigeria,” she said.

The Queen also conveyed Denmark’s sympathy regarding the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s northeast and reaffirmed her country’s commitment to supporting internally displaced persons through both bilateral and multilateral channels.

She noted her upcoming visit to the A.P. Moller–Maersk terminal in Lagos, describing it as a reflection of Denmark’s interest in expanding maritime trade and logistics collaboration with Nigeria.

Denmark and Nigeria have maintained strong relations across humanitarian support, education, and sustainable development, with Denmark being a key European partner in programmes aimed at reducing poverty and fostering peace in conflict-prone regions.