The President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Switzerland, with a focus on driving innovation, diversifying the economy, and creating sustainable opportunities for future generations.
During a courtesy visit by the Chairman and members of the Swiss European Free Trade Association (EFTA) delegation to the National Assembly in Abuja, Akpabio emphasized Nigeria’s role as Africa’s largest economy and a member of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He highlighted the country’s readiness to strengthen ties with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), going beyond traditional trade partnerships.
“We envision partnerships that will ignite innovation, diversify our economy, and create opportunities for generations to come,” Akpabio stated. He commended Switzerland and EFTA for exemplifying economic cooperation and ingenuity, setting a benchmark for unity and shared progress.
The Senate President also reflected on the historic 2017 agreement, where Switzerland returned $321 million in recovered funds to Nigeria, describing it as a pivotal moment that bolstered trust and set a global standard for accountability.
Akpabio further outlined Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the naira exchange rate. He noted that these reforms are expected to foster sustainable growth, with projections indicating a 4.17% GDP growth rate by 2025.
“Our challenges can be overcome—not by one nation alone, but through the unity of many,” Akpabio remarked, expressing optimism about future collaborations.
On behalf of the Nigerian Senate, he extended gratitude to the Swiss delegation, hoping that the discussions would lead to fruitful outcomes and a lasting partnership.
Thomas Aeschi, leader of the Swiss delegation and a member of Switzerland’s House of Representatives, expressed optimism about strengthening economic ties with Nigeria. While EFTA has yet to formalize trade negotiations with Nigeria, Aeschi noted that the visit was a step toward setting the foundation for future collaboration.
“EFTA, comprising Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein, is committed to fostering free trade and economic cooperation with countries outside the European Union. Nigeria, with its immense potential, is a vital partner for Switzerland in Western Africa,” Aeschi stated.
He further emphasized Nigeria’s significant economic potential, driven by its large population, and voiced confidence in the power of parliamentary diplomacy to enhance bilateral relations and initiate new pathways for collaboration.
“While we do not yet have a formal trade negotiation framework with Nigeria, we are here to explore possibilities and set the stage for future engagements,” Aeschi concluded.
The visit marks a significant step toward deepening economic and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Switzerland, with both nations committed to exploring new opportunities for cooperation in the future.
Comments