Nigeria and Switzerland have opened discussions on cultural collaboration and the return of Nigerian artifacts currently held in Swiss museums, including monoliths and bronze works.
The talks were initiated during a courtesy visit by the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Patrick Felix Egloff, to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, in Abuja on Thursday.
Ambassador Egloff said Switzerland was keen to deepen cultural diplomacy with Nigeria through bilateral agreements, adding that the restitution process, which began three years ago, was close to completion.
“This is the first time a Swiss ambassador is meeting with a Nigerian Minister of Art and Culture. We are eager to strengthen institutional ties with the ministry, and we see the restitution as a valuable opportunity to build cooperation,” Egloff stated. He added that Switzerland hoped to return the bronze artifacts to Nigeria through its embassy before the end of the year.
Responding, Minister Musawa expressed appreciation for the Swiss government’s commitment, describing the move as a significant milestone in safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
She stressed that beyond the repatriation, the partnership could extend to creative sectors such as animation, design, architecture, hospitality, and tourism.
“It is very important for us to recover these artifacts and also engage in a broader dialogue with Switzerland about the restitution framework and future collaborations,” Musawa said.
Both sides agreed to sustain talks and explore additional areas of cooperation, underscoring their commitment to strengthening cultural and diplomatic ties.
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