From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has emphasised the need for unity and bold action to foster economic collaboration between Nigeria and Switzerland.
He said this in an address delivered on Monday, during a courtesy visit by the Swiss EFTA delegation to his office.
Drawing on a Swiss proverb that states, “when there is unity, mountains can be moved,” Akpabio underscored the transformative potential of partnerships grounded in shared purpose and mutual trust.
While praising Switzerland and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) for their leadership in global free trade and economic cooperation, he cited the historic 2017 agreement, where Switzerland returned $321 million in recovered funds to Nigeria, as a testament to the power of collaboration and integrity in international relations.
“This gesture not only strengthened the bonds of trust between our countries but also set a global example of accountability and mutual respect.”
He highlighted Nigeria’s strategic position as Africa’s largest economy and its commitment to leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand economic opportunities.
He also outlined the potential benefits of Swiss-Nigerian collaboration, envisioning partnerships that could drive innovation, diversify Nigeria’s economy, and open new markets for its agricultural wealth.
The Senate President also noted Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies, unification of the naira exchange rate, and initiatives to enhance credit access and entrepreneurship, saying they are stabilising the economy and positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign investment, with GDP growth projected at 4.17 percent in 2025.
“The forthcoming establishment of the National Credit Guarantee Company aims to empower businesses and individuals, fostering innovation and job creation,” Akpabio said, while calling on EFTA and Nigeria to rise together to meet the challenges of a changing global trade landscape.
“Let it be said of Nigeria and EFTA that we did not falter, that we rose together to seize the opportunity of our time.
“Let us keep our gaze fixed firmly on the horizon, where the mountains of our challenges can indeed be moved—not by one nation alone, but by the unity of many.”