Nigeria and Switzerland have agreed to actively strengthen their bilateral relations, focusing on trade, economic cooperation, skills acquisition, migration, security, and cultural exchange.
The development followed a meeting between Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and the Vice President of Switzerland, Ignazio Cassis, on Tuesday. Vice President Cassis was accompanied by his spouse, Paola Rodoni Cassis, at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where discussions were held behind closed doors.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Vice President Cassis highlighted key areas of cooperation, including a potential free trade agreement under the AfCFTA framework, diplomatic support for resolving conflicts in Nigeria’s North East region, vocational training, and cultural exchange.
“We are considering improving our bilateral relations and analysing the opportunity of making a free trade agreement with the AfCFTA family and Nigeria. We are also contributing to vocational training in Nigeria, ensuring young people acquire skills for future employment and peaceful coexistence,” he said.
Cultural cooperation, including the restitution of artefacts, was also emphasised. Vice President Cassis noted that migration cooperation and annual bilateral meetings remain an important aspect of the relationship. He also commended Nigeria for its continuous presence at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, including the commissioning of the Nigeria House this year.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, added that the discussions continued a partnership that has existed since 1961. He confirmed that Switzerland expressed interest in signing a free trade agreement and expanding private sector investments in Nigeria, with the Swiss delegation planning further engagement in Lagos.
The Minister also revealed that Switzerland agreed to return bronzes and artefacts belonging to the Benin Kingdom in Edo State, reinforcing cultural ties. “The Swiss Minister of Culture will be visiting Nigeria shortly to facilitate this process, which has been highly appreciated,” Tuggar said.
Vice President Shettima welcomed the developments and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to participating in the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Other members of the Swiss delegation included the Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Ambassador Patricia Danzig; Head of the Africa Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Philip Stalder; Head of the Peace and Human Rights Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tim Enderlin; and Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Patrick Egloff, among others.
