Nigeria, Switzerland begin talks on repatriation of Nigerian artefacts
Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, has opened discussions with the Swiss Government on cultural cooperation.
The talks also focus on the repatriation of Nigerian artefacts currently in Swiss museums, including monoliths and bronze pieces.
During a courtesy visit to the minister in Abuja on Friday, the Swiss Ambassador, Patrick Egloff, expressed his country’s readiness to deepen bilateral ties through cultural diplomacy and restitution.
“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, and we think this restitution would be a very good opportunity to strengthen institutional cooperation,” Egloff said.
He explained that the restitution process began three years ago and noted that Switzerland hopes to return the bronze pieces through the Nigerian Embassy before the end of the year.
Responding, Musawa thanked the Swiss government for its efforts and stressed the importance of recovering the artefacts as part of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
“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.
“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, especially in areas like animation, design, architecture, hospitality and tourism,” she said.
The minister added that the meeting marked a significant step in strengthening cultural ties and exploring new areas of partnership. Both sides agreed to continue talks and identify opportunities for collaboration across the arts and cultural sectors.
The development comes shortly after the Netherlands returned 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, following years of negotiations between experts and government representatives from both countries.
