Nigeria, Switzerland strengthen ties, agree on trade, security, cultural cooperation

Nigeria and Switzerland have agreed to deepen their bilateral relations across key areas such as trade, security, economic cooperation, migration, and cultural exchange.

The agreement was reached on Tuesday during 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.

Speaking after the meeting, Cassis, who also serves as Switzerland’s Foreign Minister, said discussions focused on expanding cooperation in several sectors, including the possibility of a free trade agreement involving Nigeria and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“We are considering improving our bilateral relations and analysing the opportunity of making a free trade agreement with the AfCFTA family and Nigeria,” he said.

He also revealed that Switzerland is supporting Nigeria’s efforts to tackle insecurity in the North-East through diplomatic engagement and collaboration.

Cassis further highlighted Switzerland’s role in vocational training in Nigeria, noting that Swiss companies are helping young Nigerians acquire skills needed for employment and stability.

“Swiss companies in Nigeria are creating conditions for young people to be skilled enough to secure jobs for the future,” he said.

He added that both countries are strengthening ties in migration and cultural exchange, including plans to return cultural artefacts to Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, described the engagement as part of the long-standing relationship between both nations, which dates back to 1961.

He confirmed that Switzerland has agreed to return Benin bronzes and other artefacts, describing the move as a major step in boosting cultural relations.

“There are Benin bronzes that are going to be returned from Switzerland. This was highly appreciated,” Tuggar said.

The minister also disclosed that Cassis expressed interest in increasing Swiss investments in Nigeria, with plans to meet private sector players during his visit to Lagos.

He added that Vice President Shettima welcomed the outcomes of the meeting and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to continued engagement with Switzerland, including participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos.