President Bola Tinubu has emphasised the importance of expanding Nigeria’s dairy and livestock economy, citing its potential for job creation, rural development, and food security.
The President made this remark while receiving Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark at the State House in Abuja. Queen Mary’s visit marks her first to Nigeria, where she is serving as Patron of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
“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,” President Tinubu said, highlighting the potential to transform conflicts between farmers and herders into economic opportunities.
The President highlighted Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Denmark in knowledge transfer, veterinary health, and sustainable agribusiness practices. He also underscored the importance of managing Nigeria’s projected 400 million-person population by 2050 through targeted investments in agriculture, education, healthcare, and employment.
President Tinubu acknowledged Danish investments in agriculture and maritime operations, particularly commending companies such as A.P. Moller–Maersk and Grundfos for their contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructure and food systems. He expressed optimism about continued collaboration with Denmark, especially as the country assumes the presidency of the European Union Council and serves as a member of the UN Security Council in 2025-2026.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emphasized the need to transform traditional Islamic schools to ensure formal recognition of the knowledge they offer as part of broader educational reforms. Queen Mary commended the First Lady for supporting women and families through the Renewed Hope Initiative Programme and expressed sympathy over the crisis in Nigeria’s northeast.
Queen Mary stated she was in Nigeria to strengthen relations and explore investment possibilities in areas such as the green economy, trade and business development for women, child health, and cultural and educational exchanges. She also planned to visit the A.P. Moller–Maersk terminal in Lagos during her business trip.