President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday hosted Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark at the State House in Abuja, where both sides discussed expanded collaboration on livestock development, education, and humanitarian support.

The Danish monarch, visiting Nigeria for the first time in her role as Patron of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), was received by the President and co-hosted by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

During the meeting, President Tinubu emphasised the potential of Nigeria’s livestock and dairy sectors to drive food security, job creation, and rural development. He said that as Nigeria’s population grows, targeted partnerships in agriculture and veterinary health could help transform existing challenges into structured economic opportunities.

“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,” the President said, referring to the persistent conflict between farmers and herders.

Tinubu said his administration’s foreign policy priorities are guided by population dynamics and align with the Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted Nigeria’s projected population of 400 million by 2050 and called for investment in agriculture, education, healthcare, and employment to manage future growth.

The President also acknowledged existing Danish investments in Nigeria’s agriculture and maritime sectors, citing companies such as A.P. Moller–Maersk and Grundfos. He praised Denmark’s continued support for conflict-affected communities and looked forward to greater collaboration as Denmark prepares to hold the presidency of the EU Council and a seat on the UN Security Council from 2025 to 2026.

On the social front, Tinubu welcomed joint efforts between the Danish Queen and the First Lady on initiatives such as school feeding and reducing the number of out-of-school children. Senator Oluremi Tinubu spoke of the need to integrate traditional Islamic schools into Nigeria’s formal education system as part of broader reforms.

Queen Mary thanked the President and First Lady for their hospitality and expressed her sympathy over the humanitarian situation in Nigeria’s northeast. She said her visit aimed to explore opportunities in the green economy, women-led businesses, and child health, as well as strengthen cultural and educational ties.

She also commended the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative and announced her plans to visit the A.P. Moller–Maersk terminal in Lagos as part of her trip.