)The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Denmark.
Bagudu stated this during a courtesy visit by the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, at the ministry on Wednesday in Abuja.
The minister received the ambassador alongside the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, senior officials and management staff members of the ministry.
Bagudu said Nigeria valued its longstanding relationship with Denmark and remained committed to expanding cooperation in strategic sectors.
He said Nigeria’s foreign policy prioritised partnerships that promote inclusive growth, sustainable development and shared prosperity.
“We are honoured by this engagement. We want more open discussions and an expanded relationship with Denmark,” he said.
Bagudu commended Denmark’s contributions to global development and support for sustainable economic growth.
He stressed the need for stronger cooperation among nations amid rising protectionism, trade tensions and global economic uncertainties.
According to him, Nigeria is ready to deepen collaboration on trade, peace, security, knowledge sharing and addressing irregular migration.
He identified agriculture, livestock, the digital economy, the blue economy and the judiciary as priority areas for enhanced cooperation.
Bagudu said the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda was addressing decades of underinvestment through reforms and increased private sector participation.
He said government was creating a transparent investment environment that would encourage investors to deploy capital with confidence.
“Correcting decades of underinvestment requires learning from countries with strong private sectors that have successfully addressed similar challenges,” he said.
The minister said the reforms had improved investor confidence, particularly in infrastructure development.
He disclosed that Nigeria attracted about seven billion dollars in infrastructure investments within the past two years.
Bagudu said the reforms had also strengthened market confidence, increased investor interest and boosted capital inflows.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to reforms that would promote economic stability, productivity and sustainable growth.
Earlier, Uzoka-Anite reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to expanding its longstanding partnership with Denmark for mutual economic benefits.
In his remarks, Hansen reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to strengthening relations with Nigeria based on shared values and mutual respect.
He commended Bagudu for promoting bilateral cooperation and appreciated his attendance at Denmark’s National Day reception.
The ambassador said both countries shared interests in democracy, international law, stability, development and stronger African representation in global institutions.
Hansen announced Denmark’s plan to expand its diplomatic presence by establishing a larger embassy and deploying additional diplomats.
He said the expansion reflected Denmark’s growing commitment to Nigeria and the West African region.
The ambassador highlighted growing Danish investments, including the establishment of the Investment Fund for Developing Countries office in Lagos.
He identified agriculture, maritime development, security and the digital economy as major areas of existing cooperation.
Hansen said Denmark was exploring further collaboration with Nigeria in education, culture, the creative economy and the judiciary.
He noted that Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms were creating opportunities for stronger investment partnerships.
The ambassador proposed a broader political partnership framework to strengthen cooperation across key sectors.
He recalled the Queen of Denmark’s visit to Nigeria and discussions with President Bola Tinubu on bilateral relations.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and advancing shared economic and development objectives. (NAN)
