Nigeria, Switzerland begin talks on artefact repatriation and cultural cooperation

The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, led by Minister Hannatu Musawa, has opened formal discussions with the Swiss Government on the restitution of Nigerian artefacts held in Swiss museums, as well as new avenues for cultural cooperation.

The talks began on Friday during a courtesy visit to the ministry by Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Egloff, who expressed Switzerland’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties through cultural diplomacy and the repatriation of Nigerian heritage objects particularly monoliths and bronze artworks.

“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 cooperations with the ministry.

We think this restitution would be a very good opportunity to strengthen institutional cooperation,” Egloff stated.

According to the ambassador, the process of returning the artefacts began three years ago, and Switzerland aims to facilitate the handover of the bronze pieces through the Nigerian Embassy before the end of the year.

Minister Musawa, in response, commended the Swiss government’s efforts and reiterated the importance of reclaiming cultural artefacts as a means of preserving Nigeria’s heritage and identity.

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

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She noted that the meeting marked a significant step in fostering cultural ties and exploring mutual interests.

The minister also highlighted several key areas for potential collaboration, including animation, design, architecture, hospitality, and tourism.

“The conversation with the Minister of Culture in Switzerland is going to be very important because we will look at what our cooperation opportunities are in other areas,” she added.

Both parties agreed to continue dialogue and work toward formal frameworks that support sustained cultural exchange and development between the two nations.