Nigeria and Switzerland have commenced discussions on the repatriation of Nigerian cultural artefacts and the expansion of bilateral cooperation in arts, culture, and tourism.

The talks took place 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, on Friday in Abuja.

Ambassador Egloff expressed Switzerland’s readiness to formalise cultural agreements and deepen institutional collaboration with Nigeria.

“This is the first time that a Swiss ambassador is meeting with a Nigerian Minister of Art and Culture. There is a lot happening, and we would be very interested to build more institutional cooperation with the ministry. We think this restitution would be a very good opportunity to strengthen institutional cooperation,” Ambassador Egloff said.

He indicated that the process of returning artefacts, which include bronze pieces and monoliths, began three years ago, and Switzerland aims to facilitate their handover through the Nigerian Embassy by the end of the year.

Minister Musawa welcomed the initiative, stressing the significance of the artefacts to Nigeria’s cultural heritage and identity.

“It is very important for us in Nigeria to have back these artefacts and to also have a wider conversation with Switzerland about what restitution will look like,” she said.

The Minister added that discussions with Switzerland would also explore broader collaboration in creative sectors, including animation, design, architecture, hospitality, and tourism.

She described the engagement as a key step in strengthening bilateral cultural relations.

Both parties agreed to continue consultations to identify opportunities for cooperation in arts and culture, signalling a sustained commitment to cultural diplomacy and institutional partnership.