Creative Industry

Nigeria and Switzerland Take First Steps Toward Artifact Repatriation and Cultural Cooperation

Published

1 year ago

August 29, 2025

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.

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Creative Industry

NTDA, LEXLUC Sign MoU to Unlock Nigeria’s Domestic Tourism Potential

Published

10 hours ago

October 23, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LEXLUC Global Services and Tours Ltd. to promote domestic tourism, cultural heritage and destination awareness across Nigeria.

The agreement establishes a framework for implementing and expanding the Meet My Town, Know My State tourism initiative, which aims to encourage Nigerians to explore destinations within the country, learn about their cultural heritage and support greater community participation in tourism.

Speaking at the signing, Chief Executive Officer of LEXLUC Global Services and Tours Ltd., Mr Oluwole Ajayi, said the initiative was developed to help Nigeria harness its tourism potential, attract investment and create more opportunities within the sector.

“Tourism is number one employer worldwide. Whether we like it or not, we have to key into it and make sure it becomes the number one employer in Nigeria, too,” Ajayi said.

He also referenced plans for a proposed West African Jollof Rice Championship and Tourism Festival, which he said could complement the initiative’s broader objectives. The proposed event is expected to form part of future tourism activities, subject to the necessary planning and approvals.

Ajayi expressed confidence that the collaboration with NTDA would help advance the initiative and attract investors to Nigeria’s tourism industry.

Director-General of NTDA, Mr Ola Awakan, said the partnership alignes with the authority’s mandate to promote and develop tourism, noting that collaboration with the private sector was important to the sector’s growth.

“It’s a laudable project. We are going to give you national and institutional backing. You are also helping us achieve our mandate, and we are helping you to bring your idea to fruition. So, it is a win-win situation. All of this is in the interest of Nigeria,” Awakan said.

He commended Ajayi for sustaining the initiative and reaffirmed NTDA’s commitment to supporting its objectives within the authority’s mandate.

The Meet My Town, Know My State initiative is designed to raise awareness of Nigeria’s destinations, promote cultural heritage and encourage domestic travel. Its activities may include organised tours, tourism education, awareness campaigns, events and stakeholder engagements across the country.

Under the MoU, LEXLUC will coordinate and implement approved activities, develop tourism packages, mobilise sponsorship and partnerships, and report on progress. NTDA will provide relevant tourism information, institutional coordination, policy guidance and support for stakeholder engagement, subject to its mandate and applicable approval processes.

The signing was coordinated by Head of Legal Services at NTDA, Olufunke Soleye, and Head of Legal at LEXLUC, Mary Oluwatoyin Noibi-Edoze. Director of the Marketing and Promotions Department at NTDA, Mr Olufemi Akinyele, was also present alongside staff members of the department.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two organisations to expand awareness of Nigeria’s tourism offerings and encourage greater participation in domestic tourism.

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