Nigeria and Switzerland have agreed to strengthen their bilateral relations with renewed focus on trade, security cooperation, migration, and cultural exchange.
This followed a meeting between Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and his Swiss counterpart, Ignazio Cassis, held on Tuesday at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Speaking with journalists after the closed-door meeting, Cassis, who also serves as Switzerland’s Foreign Minister, said discussions focused on improving bilateral relations, including the possibility of a free trade agreement between Nigeria and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He said Switzerland was also working with Nigeria on diplomatic efforts to address security challenges in the North-East region, alongside support for vocational training to equip Nigerian youths with employable skills.
“We are considering improving our bilateral relations and analysing the opportunity of making a free trade agreement with the AfCFTA family and Nigeria,” Cassis said.
He added that Switzerland would continue to support skills acquisition programmes through Swiss companies operating in Nigeria, aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and employment opportunities for young people.
Cassis further disclosed that both countries agreed to enhance cultural cooperation, including the restitution of cultural materials to Nigeria, as well as collaboration on migration-related issues.
He expressed appreciation to Nigeria for its continued participation in the World Economic Forum held annually in Davos, and congratulated the country on the commissioning of Nigeria House at the global event venue.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, described the meeting as a continuation of longstanding relations between both countries, dating back to 1961.
Tuggar disclosed that Switzerland had agreed to return artefacts and bronzes belonging to the historic Benin Kingdom as part of efforts to strengthen cultural ties.
He noted that the Swiss Minister of Culture is expected to visit Nigeria soon to facilitate the return of the artefacts, a development welcomed by Nigerian authorities.
The minister also said Swiss officials expressed interest in expanding business and investment opportunities in Nigeria, with plans for further engagement with private sector stakeholders in Lagos.
According to him, Vice President Shettima welcomed the outcomes of the meeting and assured that Nigeria would continue to deepen engagement with Switzerland and maintain participation in the World Economic Forum.
Members of the Swiss delegation included officials from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria, among others.
