Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for deeper Nigeria–Switzerland cooperation in education, healthcare, peace-building and poverty reduction following a meeting with Swiss Ambassador Patrick Egloff.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has advocated stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and Switzerland, saying strategic international partnerships are essential to driving sustainable development and improving the lives of Nigerians.
Obi disclosed this after meeting with the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Egloff, describing the engagement as productive and focused on areas where both countries could deepen cooperation for mutual benefit.
Focus on Education, Healthcare and Poverty Reduction
According to Obi, discussions centred on Nigeria’s development journey, particularly the need to strengthen collaboration in critical sectors such as education, healthcare and poverty alleviation.
The former Anambra State governor said partnerships anchored on shared values would help Nigeria unlock greater economic opportunities while improving the quality of life for citizens.
“Building stronger partnerships founded on shared values and a commitment to human development remains essential to creating a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria,” Obi stated after the meeting.
Commends Switzerland’s Support
Obi also acknowledged Switzerland’s longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s development, particularly its support for humanitarian programmes, economic initiatives and peace-building efforts in the North-East.
He expressed appreciation for the Swiss Confederation’s role in promoting stability and development, noting that continued collaboration could deliver greater benefits for both countries.
Diplomatic Engagement Ahead of 2027
The meeting forms part of Obi’s ongoing engagements with diplomats, development partners and stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general election.
Political observers say such meetings provide opportunities to discuss governance, economic development and Nigeria’s position within the international community. However, there was no indication that the meeting involved campaign endorsements or electoral commitments by Switzerland, whose diplomatic relations with Nigeria remain state-to-state.
Nigeria and Switzerland maintain diplomatic relations spanning several decades, with cooperation covering humanitarian assistance, trade, migration, governance reforms and peace-building initiatives.
Switzerland has supported various programmes in Nigeria, particularly in conflict-affected communities in the North-East, while also partnering with Nigerian institutions on governance and economic development projects.