Creative Industry
Nigeria and Switzerland Take First Steps Toward Artifact Repatriation and Cultural Cooperation
By Joel Ajayi
The Nigerian Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy has initiated discussions with the Swiss government on the repatriation of Nigerian artifacts currently held in Swiss museums, including significant monoliths and bronze works. The talks also aim to establish broader cultural cooperation between the two nations.
During a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq., in Abuja on Friday, the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Patrick Felix Egloff, expressed Switzerland’s readiness to engage in bilateral agreements focused on cultural diplomacy and restitution.
“This is the first time a Swiss Ambassador is meeting with a Nigerian Minister of Art and Culture. We are very interested in developing institutional cooperation with the Ministry, and we believe the restitution of these artifacts presents a strong opportunity to strengthen our partnership,” Ambassador Egloff stated.
According to the Ambassador, the process of returning the artifacts began three years ago. He noted that Switzerland intends to return several bronze pieces through the Nigerian Embassy before the end of the year.
In her response, Minister Musawa expressed appreciation for the Swiss government’s efforts and highlighted the significance of reclaiming cultural artifacts as part of preserving Nigeria’s heritage.
“This meeting marks an important milestone in deepening our cultural ties,” she said. “It is crucial for Nigeria to recover these valuable artifacts, and we look forward to broader discussions on what the restitution process will look like.”
The Minister also emphasized the importance of exploring new avenues of cooperation in areas such as animation, design, architecture, hospitality, and tourism.
“We’re excited about the potential for collaboration beyond artifact repatriation,” she added. “Engaging with the Swiss Minister of Culture will be key as we explore joint initiatives across creative and cultural sectors.”
Both parties agreed to continue their dialogue and explore long-term opportunities for collaboration in arts and culture. The meeting builds on existing diplomatic efforts and reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhancing cultural relations.
Creative Industry
Emirates Airline to Participate in Africa Tourism, Creative Economy Expo
The United Arab Emirates, UAE has confirmed the participation of Emirates Airline in the upcoming Africa Tourism and Creative Economy Expo, (AFTCREE) scheduled to hold in Abuja from Nov. 24th to 25th.
The New Agency of Nigeria reports that the Expo is being organised by Afrocultour in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Arts Culture Tourism and Creative Economy.
In a confirmation letter sent to the Chief Executive Officer, (CEO), Aftocultour Mr, Chuks Akamadu, in Abuja on Tuesday, the Embassy extended its warm regards and appreciation for the invitation.
NAN reports that the Expo was endorsed by the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
The participation of Emirates Airline underscores the UAE’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria and the African continent, particularly in the areas of tourism, trade, and creative enterprise.
As one of the world’s leading carriers, Emirates’ involvement in the Expo reflects its dedication to promoting connectivity, innovation, and economic growth.
It is hoped that the Expo would present a unique opportunity for UAE’s reaffirmation of her continued partnership with Nigeria and indeed the entire African continent in advancing initiatives for prosperity .
The upcoming Expo aims, among other things, to urge African countries to commit to significant increase in their tourism and creative economy annual budgetary allocations and inaugurate “Agenda 2030”.
The agenda is believed to aspire to jerk up Africa’s contribution to global trade from less than three percent to at least 10 percent.
As well as increasing the continent’s five percent share of the $11 trillion global tourism revenue to at least 20 percent by the year 2030.
This, the organisers believe, can be achieved through mainstreaming tourism, the cultural industry and entertainment into the service sector and instituting a peer review mechanism for African countries.
This is aimed at comparing notes bilaterally and multilaterally on emerging tourism and creative industry trends within the precincts of mutual profit. NAN
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