Nigeria Monday declared its readiness to consolidate on working relationship between it and Switzerland in the areas of innovation and economic diversification, and for creating  opportunities for generations yet unborn.

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, made the assertion while having in audience  the chairman and members of the Swiss European Free Trade Association (EFTA) who were at the National Assembly on a courtesy visit.

Akpabio said Nigeria, as the largest economy in Africa and a proud member of the African Continental Free Trade Area, stood ready to engage with EFTA in ways that would transcend mere trade.

“We envision partnerships that will ignite innovation, diversify our economy and create opportunities for generations to come.

“Switzerland and indeed the European Free Trade Association, has long been a beacon of ingenuity and perseverance.

“Your work in advancing free trade and fostering economic cooperation has set a standard for what nations can achieve when they focus not on their divisions but on their commonalities.

“Our two nations, Nigeria and Switzerland, have already shared moments of profound partnership.

“One such moment was the historic agreement in 2017, when Switzerland returned $321 million in recovered funds to Nigeria.”

Akpabio said the gesture not only strengthened the bonds of trust between the two countries but also set a global example of accountability and mutual respect.

“It was proof that when nations act with integrity and in the spirit of justice, the world becomes a better place.

“Now, we have before us the opportunity to write the next chapter of our shared history.

“Nigeria, as the largest economy in Africa and a proud member of the African Continental Free Trade Area, stands ready to engage with EFTA in ways that will transcend mere trade”.

Earlier, Mr Thomas Aeschi, the leader of the delegation and a member of the House of Representatives of Switzerland, said that it was a privilege to be in Nigeria.

“This is a country of immense potential and an indispensable partner for Switzerland in Western Africa,” he said.