(M): The Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON flanked to the right by the Honourable Minister of State, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, CFA, Director International Cooperation of the Ministry, Dr Samson Ebimaro, and other staff of the Ministry, and to the left by the Ambassador of Denmark to Nigeria, H.E. Jens Ole Bach Hansen and members of his delegation, during a courtesy visit to the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.<\/p>\n
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Chidimma Uchegbu, Abuja<\/p>\n
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has expressed Nigeria\u2019s commitment to deepening its bilateral partnership with Denmark, describing the relationship between the two countries as strategic and mutually beneficial.<\/p>\n
Senator Bagudu made this statement during a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Abuja, when he received the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Nigeria, His Excellency Jens Ole Bach Hansen, and his delegation.<\/p>\n
The minister, who welcomed the ambassador alongside the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, and directors, ministerial aides, and management staff of the ministry, noted that Nigeria values its longstanding relationship with Denmark and is committed to expanding cooperation in critical areas of mutual interest.<\/p>\n
According to him, Nigeria\u2019s policy has always been anchored in building strong bilateral partnerships, especially with countries that share a commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable development, and shared prosperity.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are quite honoured by this engagement, and the short answer is yes, we want more. We are happy to have more open discussions and to expand our relationship,\u201d Senator Bagudu said.<\/p>\n
He acknowledged Denmark\u2019s contributions to global development, noting that the country has consistently demonstrated a commitment to supporting economic growth and sustainable development initiatives.<\/p>\n
The minister emphasised the importance of stronger cooperation among nations with shared values, particularly amid emerging global challenges, including rising protectionism, trade tensions, and other economic uncertainties.<\/p>\n
He said Nigeria is willing to collaborate with Denmark to promote trade, strengthen peace and security initiatives, share knowledge and resources, and jointly address common challenges, including irregular migration.<\/p>\n
Senator Bagudu identified agriculture, livestock development, the digital economy, the blue economy, and the judicial sector as key areas for further strengthening cooperation between both countries.<\/p>\n
Speaking about the economic reforms of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, the minister said the Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on addressing decades of underinvestment in critical sectors and on creating an enabling environment for private-sector participation.<\/p>\n
He explained that Nigeria is working towards creating a transparent and competitive investment climate in which investors can confidently deploy capital, create value, and achieve sustainable returns.<\/p>\n
\u201cCorrecting decades of underinvestment across almost all sectors can only be achieved by learning from countries that have successfully solved similar challenges, especially those with strong and vibrant private sectors,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The minister noted that despite the challenges of implementing reforms, the country is seeing increased investor confidence, particularly in infrastructure development.<\/p>\n
He revealed that Nigeria has attracted about $7 billion in infrastructure investment over the past two years, describing this as a significant improvement compared with previous levels.<\/p>\n
Senator Bagudu further stated that Nigeria\u2019s reform efforts are gaining international recognition, adding that improved economic confidence is reflected in market indicators, investor interest, and increased capital flows.<\/p>\n
He emphasised that the administration remains committed to reforms to strengthen economic stability, enhance productivity, and position Nigeria for sustainable growth.<\/p>\n
Welcoming the ambassador and his delegation, the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, reiterated Nigeria\u2019s commitment to expanding the longstanding bilateral relationship to mutual economic benefit.<\/p>\n
Earlier, Ambassador Jens Ole Bach Hansen reaffirmed Denmark\u2019s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria, describing the relationship between the two countries as built on shared values, mutual respect, and common priorities.<\/p>\n
The ambassador commended the minister for his role in strengthening bilateral relations and expressed appreciation for his attendance at Denmark\u2019s National Day Reception.<\/p>\n
He said that Denmark and Nigeria share common interests in areas such as democracy, respect for international law, stability, development, and stronger representation of African countries in global institutions.<\/p>\n
Ambassador Hansen disclosed that Denmark is expanding its diplomatic presence in Nigeria by establishing a larger embassy and deploying additional diplomatic personnel, including officers focused on politics, defence, agriculture, and other strategic areas.<\/p>\n
He explained that the expansion reflects Denmark\u2019s growing commitment to Nigeria and the wider West African region.<\/p>\n
The ambassador also highlighted Denmark\u2019s growing commercial engagement with Nigeria, noting the presence of major Danish companies and the recent establishment of the Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU) office in Lagos to support sustainable private-sector investments.<\/p>\n
He identified agriculture, maritime development and security, and the digital economy as key areas of existing cooperation between the two countries.<\/p>\n
According to him, Denmark is also exploring further collaboration with Nigeria across education, culture, the creative economy, and the judicial sector.<\/p>\n
Ambassador Hansen noted that Denmark sees positive signs in Nigeria\u2019s economic trajectory and believes that ongoing reforms are creating opportunities for stronger investment partnerships.<\/p>\n
He proposed discussions to formalise a broader political partnership framework between Nigeria and Denmark, noting that such an arrangement would provide a structured platform for advancing cooperation across various sectors.<\/p>\n
The ambassador recalled Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark\u2019s visit to Nigeria and the discussions held with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on strengthening bilateral relations, expressing hope that both countries would continue to build on the existing foundation.<\/p>\n
The visit concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation and advance shared economic and development objectives.<\/p>\n
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