A high-level technical dialogue between Nigeria and Denmark is signaling renewed momentum in bilateral cooperation on marine and blue economy development, underscoring both countries’ strategic ambitions in the maritime sector.
The meeting brought together a delegation from Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMMBE) and senior Danish officials to explore expanded collaboration across maritime security, sustainable ocean governance and value chain development.
The Danish delegation was headed by Jens Ole Bach Hansen, Denmark’s ambassador in Nigeria, alongside Jette Bjerrum, consul general for Sustainable Value Chains, Tumi Onamade, Maritime Advisor, and Henrik Laugesan, Defence Attaché.
Nigeria’s delegation was led by Kalthum Ibrahim, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at FMMBE, together with Busayo Fakinlede, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Marine and Blue Economy.
Frederik Klinke, Vice President of the European Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, also contributed perspectives from the European private sector, information gathered by BusinessDay on Wednesday indicated.
The talks focused on strengthening institutional ties, accelerating sustainable marine initiatives, and enhancing trade competitiveness through more resilient and efficient maritime value chains. Both sides emphasized the importance of translating policy dialogue into measurable economic impact, noting that cooperation must deliver practical results.
Denmark enters the partnership as one of the world’s foremost maritime nations. Ranked ninth globally, it operates approximately 61 million gross tonnage and maintains a Danish-flagged fleet of 744 vessels as of January 2026. Shipping remains the country’s largest export sector, supported by globally competitive expertise in maritime technology and energy-efficient solutions.
Nigeria, meanwhile, is positioning the blue economy as a cornerstone of its economic diversification agenda. With an 853-kilometre Atlantic coastline, more than 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways, and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone in the strategically vital Gulf of Guinea, the country plays a central role in regional trade and maritime activity.
The dialogue builds on established cooperation frameworks, including the Danish Gulf of Guinea Maritime Security Programme (2022–2026), which aims to strengthen maritime domain awareness and regional security. It also reflects longstanding commercial engagement, notably investments by APM Terminals in Nigerian port and logistics infrastructure.
The renewed engagement aligns with Denmark’s Africa Strategy, which prioritizes equal partnerships, green transition and sustainable economic cooperation. For both countries, officials said, the objective is clear: harnessing the blue economy not only as a policy concept, but as a practical engine for jobs, trade and long-term growth.
