Nigeria and Switzerland have moved to strengthen their long-standing relationship, with fresh commitments spanning trade, security and cultural cooperation.
Central to the talks was Switzerland’s pledge to return looted Benin bronzes and other artefacts to Nigeria.
The agreement followed a high-level meeting on Tuesday at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport between Vice President Kashim Shettima and his Swiss counterpart, Ignazio Cassis.
One of the most significant outcomes of the meeting was the renewed push for cultural restitution.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed that Switzerland had agreed to return the Benin artefacts, many of which were taken during the Benin Expedition of 1897.
He said both sides were keen to broaden cooperation beyond commerce to include cultural exchange, adding that the Swiss Minister of Culture would soon visit Nigeria to advance the process.
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Shettima welcomed the development, describing it as a meaningful step towards restoring Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
On the economic front, both countries signalled plans to deepen collaboration, including discussions around a possible trade arrangement linked to the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Mr Cassis, who attended the meeting with his wife, Paola Rodoni Cassis, said Swiss firms operating in Nigeria were expanding vocational training programmes aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical skills and employment opportunities.
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After the Abuja talks, the Swiss delegation travelled to Lagos for further engagement with business leaders.
Switzerland also acknowledged Nigeria’s growing visibility on the global stage, particularly its participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The discussions also covered regional security and migration. Switzerland pledged continued humanitarian and diplomatic support to help Nigeria address ongoing challenges in the North-East.
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Both sides reviewed their annual migration partnership, with a focus on strengthening cooperation and ensuring mutual benefits.
Mr Tuggar noted that Nigeria and Switzerland have maintained diplomatic relations since 1961, and said the latest talks marked another step in deepening that partnership.
Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustained engagement, assuring the Swiss delegation that both countries would continue to collaborate closely on bilateral and global issues
