Excellencies, distinguished guests,

Thank you for the warm welcome. It reflects the strength of the enduring partnership between Denmark and Nigeria.

Our diplomatic ties date back to the very day of Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

Over the past 65 years, the world has become increasingly interconnected – and the bond between our two countries has never been closer. 

Our relationship is continuously being shaped by shared challenges and opportunities in a world where conflict and unpredictability are increasing.

In Denmark, we recognize Nigeria as a key partner – in West Africa, across the continent and beyond. And also, as a strong voice for the UN Charter, international law, and the rule-based global order.

The decision to make our embassy in Nigeria a regional hub for West and Central Africa underlines this.

Further, more Danish diplomats will be posted to Nigeria aligning with our goal to deepen cooperation across various sectors: business, academia, civil society, and culture. 

Together we can achieve so much more.

By enhancing dialogue and broadening collaboration in trade, security, green transition, and youth engagement we can harness new tools for growth.

We also see a nation powered by its youth – full of energy, creativity, and ambition.  

Danish companies also share these perspectives. Over 120 are already active in Nigeria, working in sectors like food production, digitalization, green energy, and health.

The potential for further collaboration is immense.

Gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights are vital issues for any country, and Nigeria’s focus on and prioritization of maternal health clearly demonstrates this. No woman should risk life to give life.

Today’s announcement of the “10 Million Safer Births” initiative supports that focus and ambition to improve maternal health. Thereby strengthening families, uplifting communities, and fostering more resilient societies. 

Tomorrow, our focus will shift to culture, innovation, and trade.

I look forward to experiencing and learning more about the rich and vibrant cultural scene of Nigeria – I understand that it is an exciting driver of growth,
creativity, and soft power, both nationally and on the global stage.

As the world-renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reminds us, we must be cautious of “the single story”.

Single stories create stereotypes, and while they may not be entirely false, they are dangerously incomplete. They simplify complex identities, cultures and nations into one narrative, fueling conflict and driving people further apart. 

With every visit and every meeting, our shared story becomes richer and more nuanced. 

There is so much we can learn from one another – and so many new stories we can create together.

Thank you for sharing your stories with me and listening to ours. I look forward to the coming chapters of our common story. 

(Det talte ord gælder)