Nigeria and Switzerland have agreed to deepen bilateral relations across trade, economic cooperation, skills development, migration, security and cultural exchange, with Bern also pledging to return Benin bronzes and artifacts to Nigeria. The agreement followed a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and his Swiss counterpart, Ignazio Cassis, at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Cassis, who also serves as Switzerland’s Foreign Minister, said discussions covered a broad range of issues, including prospects for a free trade agreement involving Nigeria and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“We are considering improving our bilateral relations. We are considering to analyse the opportunity of making a free trade agreement with the AfCFTA family and Nigeria. Secondly, we are working together very much in diplomatic efforts to address the many different conflicts in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria,” he said.
Cassis also highlighted Switzerland’s support for vocational training in Nigeria, noting the role of Swiss companies in equipping young people with employable skills. “Thirdly, we are contributing to vocational training in Nigeria, with the Swiss companies in Nigeria creating the best conditions for young people to peacefully live together by being skilled enough to have jobs for the future,” he stated.
He further noted ongoing cooperation in migration management and cultural exchange, including plans to return cultural artefacts. “We also have cooperation in migration issue, and every year, we are meeting together, where we explore every facet of this cooperation,” he added.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar confirmed that Switzerland had agreed to return Benin bronzes, describing the move as a boost to cultural ties. “There was a general assurance that we need to strengthen the relationship between the two countries not just when it comes to business but also cultural aspect of the relationship. So, there are Benin bronzes that are going to be returned from Switzerland… this was something that was highly appreciated,” he said, noting that talks also covered Swiss investments and long-standing diplomatic relations between both countries dating back to 1961.
