Nigeria to Forge Generational Opportunities Through Partnership with Switzerland
Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed the nation’s readiness to collaborate with Switzerland to foster innovation, diversify its economy, and create lasting opportunities for future generations.
Akpabio made this statement on Monday while hosting the Chairman and members of the Swiss European Free Trade Association (EFTA) during their courtesy visit to the National Assembly.
“As Africa’s largest economy and a proud member of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Nigeria is prepared to engage with EFTA in ways that go beyond traditional trade,” Akpabio said.
He highlighted Switzerland's long-standing reputation for innovation and economic cooperation, noting that the European Free Trade Association has set a global benchmark for fostering partnerships that emphasize shared values over divisions.
Akpabio also reflected on the 2017 agreement where Switzerland returned $321 million in recovered funds to Nigeria, calling it a moment that deepened mutual trust and showcased global accountability and integrity.
“This historic act demonstrated how nations, guided by justice and integrity, can inspire global change. Now, we stand at the cusp of writing a new chapter in our partnership, with opportunities to transform economies and improve lives,” he added.
The Senate President underscored Nigeria’s ongoing economic transformation under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, mentioning key reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the naira exchange rate. He highlighted projections of a 4.17% GDP growth rate by 2025 as evidence of the reforms’ impact.
Earlier, Mr. Thomas Aeschi, leader of the Swiss delegation and a member of Switzerland’s House of Representatives, emphasized Nigeria’s vast potential as a critical partner for Switzerland in West Africa.
Aeschi explained that EFTA, comprising Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein, is committed to promoting free trade and economic collaboration beyond the European Union.
“While EFTA has not yet initiated a formal trade negotiation process with Nigeria, we are here to explore new areas of collaboration and lay the groundwork for future partnerships,” Aeschi said.
He further highlighted Nigeria’s immense potential, driven by its population size, and expressed confidence in the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening ties and facilitating processes that benefit both nations.
The visit underscores a shared commitment to fostering innovation, expanding economic opportunities, and deepening cooperation between Nigeria and Switzerland.
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