The tasks of the embassy

As the official representation of Switzerland, the Embassy in Abuja covers all matters concerning diplomatic relations between the two countries. It represents Swiss interests in the areas of political, economic and legal affairs, migration, human security, humanitarian assistance and more. Regarding trade and investment promotion, the Embassy is supported by the General-Consulate in Lagos.

The Embassy supports cooperation between the Swiss Confederation (Switzerland) and the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Nigeria). The two countries hold yearly Bilateral Consultations, which include a Political Dialogue, a Human Rights Dialogue and a Joint Technical Committee of the Bilateral Migration Partnership. Those consultations are held alternatively in Nigeria and in Switzerland.

The Embassy monitors the political and economic situation in the country and communicates developments that are of interest to Switzerland.

In the political field, Switzerland is particularly active on human security, encompassing human rights, peace, and conflict transformation.

The Embassy promotes the interest of the Swiss economy in Nigeria. The General-Consulate in Lagos, acts as so-called “Trade and Investment Point” of Switzerland in Nigeria and in this capacity cooperates with Switzerland Global Enterprise in Zurich. The General-Consulate establishes contacts for Swiss businesses and provides them with information and advice.

Switzerland and Nigeria have a longstanding and fruitful cooperation in the field of migration and work together in a comprehensive Bilateral Migration Partnership.

The situation in the Northeast of Nigeria has resulted in a significant increase of the humanitarian assistance to Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region. Nigeria is not a target country of official development assistance of Switzerland, but the Embassy funds some small scale projects every year.

All consular matters are handled by the Embassy in Abuja and not by the Consulate General in Lagos. Visa requests, civil status cases and other consular matters have therefore to be addressed to the Embassy.

The Embassy also is in charge of the official contacts with ECOWAS. Switzerland partners with ECOWAS in the fields of peace and security, migration, and agricultural development.

For further information please see the page Switzerland and Nigeria.