Switzerland to return Benin Bronzes, deepen diplomatic ties with Nigeria

Nigeria and Switzerland have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations across trade, security, migration and cultural cooperation, with Switzerland confirming plans to return Benin bronzes and other artifact’s to Nigeria.

This followed a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and Swiss Vice President and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis on Tuesday in Abuja.

Speaking after the meeting, Cassis said both countries discussed expanding cooperation in several areas, including cultural exchange and restitution of artefacts.

“We also have cooperation in migration issues, and every year we meet to explore every facet of this cooperation,” he said, noting that cultural collaboration remains an important part of the relationship.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed that Switzerland had agreed to return artefacts from the Benin Kingdom as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic and cultural relations.

“So, there are Benin bronzes that are going to be returned from Switzerland,” Tuggar said.

“There was a general assurance that we need to strengthen the relationship between the two countries not just when it comes to business but also the cultural aspect of the relationship,” he added.

Tuggar also disclosed that Switzerland’s Minister of Culture is expected to visit Nigeria soon as part of the process of strengthening cultural cooperation between both countries.