Nigeria has opened formal discussions with Switzerland on the restitution of cultural artifacts and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the creative and cultural industries
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy confirmed the talks began on Friday during a courtesy visit by the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Felix Egloff, to the Minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa, in Abuja.
Switzerland Signals Commitment to Restitution
Ambassador Egloff described the engagement as a “historic moment,” noting it was the first time a Swiss envoy had met with a Nigerian Minister of Art and Culture.
“This is the first time a Swiss Ambassador is meeting with a Nigerian Minister of Art and Culture. We are eager to build stronger institutional cooperation with the ministry, and the restitution of artifacts presents a significant opportunity to do so,” Egloff said.
He explained that Switzerland began the process of reviewing and restituting Nigerian artifacts in its collections three years ago. These include bronzes and monoliths, with plans to hand over selected works through the Nigerian Embassy before the end of 2025.
Nigeria Welcomes Move to Reclaim Heritage
Responding, Minister Musawa praised Switzerland’s initiative as both symbolic and strategic in Nigeria’s broader cultural agenda.
“It is very important for Nigeria to have these artifacts returned, but equally important is to broaden the conversation with Switzerland on what restitution entails and how it can open doors for cooperation in creative and cultural industries,” she said.
Musawa added that restitution should be seen not only as a matter of heritage recovery but also as an entry point for partnerships in animation, design, architecture, hospitality, and tourism.
Beyond Artifacts: Toward Creative Partnerships
The meeting ended with both parties agreeing to continue talks and explore new opportunities in arts and cultural development.
According to the ministry, the engagement builds on earlier diplomatic exchanges and reflects the shared commitment of Nigeria and Switzerland to advancing cultural diplomacy, heritage preservation, and creative industry collaborations.
