A transformative dialogue between Nigeria and Denmark has emerged, reigniting momentum in their bilateral cooperation focused on marine and blue economy development. This meeting highlights the strategic ambitions both nations harbor within the maritime sector.
The discussions featured a delegation from Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMMBE), joined by senior officials from Denmark. The aim was clear: to deepen collaboration on maritime security, sustainable ocean governance, and the enhancement of value chains.
Leading the Danish delegation was Jens Ole Bach Hansen, Denmark’s ambassador to Nigeria, accompanied by Jette Bjerrum, Consul General for Sustainable Value Chains, Maritime Advisor Tumi Onamade, and Defense Attaché Henrik Laugesan. On the Nigerian side, Kalthum Ibrahim, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at FMMBE, took the helm, alongside Busayo Fakinlede, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Marine and Blue Economy.
Adding a broader perspective, Frederik Klinke, Vice President of the European Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, contributed insights from the European private sector, as reported by BusinessDay on Wednesday.
The discussions prioritized strengthening institutional ties, accelerating sustainable marine initiatives, and boosting trade competitiveness through robust maritime value chains. Both nations underscored the necessity of translating policy dialogue into tangible economic impacts.
Denmark, a powerhouse in maritime affairs, ranks ninth globally and boasts an impressive fleet, operating around 61 million gross tonnage with 744 Danish-flagged vessels as of January 2026. Shipping remains Denmark’s largest export sector, bolstered by unmatched expertise in maritime technology and energy-efficient solutions.
Meanwhile, Nigeria is carving out its own ambitious blue economy, aiming to position it as a cornerstone of its economic diversification strategy. With an extensive 853-kilometre Atlantic coastline and over 10,000 kilometers of inland waterways, Nigeria is strategically placed to influence regional trade and maritime endeavors in the vital Gulf of Guinea.
The dialogue builds on established cooperation frameworks, notably the Danish Gulf of Guinea Maritime Security Program (2022–2026), which is designed to enhance maritime domain awareness and regional security. Additionally, it signifies ongoing commercial relationships, highlighted by APM Terminals’ investments in Nigeria’s port and logistics infrastructure.
This renewed engagement is firmly aligned with Denmark’s Africa Strategy, which emphasizes equal partnerships, green transitions, and sustainable economic collaboration. As officials from both countries articulated, the goal is unmistakable: to leverage the blue economy not only as a theoretical policy concept but as a dynamic engine for job creation, trade, and long-term sustainable growth.
