Issue N° 32– April 2018

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Content

Editorial ............................................................. 1

Portrait .............................................................. 2

Politics & Economy ............................................ 2

Human Security ................................................. 5

Migration ........................................................... 6

Development & Humanitarian Affairs ................. 8

Culture .............................................................. 9

News from the Embassy .................................. 10

Editorial

Dear Swiss compatriots, Dear friends from Nigeria, It has been a while since we produced our last edition of the Swiss Gazette. Our Embassy has been very busy over the last months. I travelled several times to Niger and Chad, my other countries of accreditation, where we got high level visits from our capital. Of particular significance was the visit of our Minister of Justice and Interior the Federal Councillor Mrs. Simonetta Sommaruga to the Republic of Niger in October last year. In Nigeria, there were also some important events - the most essential one being the visit of our Minister of Economy to Abuja and Lagos from 21-23 March 2018. The Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann came to Nigeria with a delegation of Swiss businessmen, parliamentarians and decision makers. The delegation met with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah; and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Dr. Mahmood Isa-Dutse. There was also a joint interactive session with the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Ambassador Chiedu Osakwe. During this visit, two separate receptions were organized in Lagos and Abuja to give room for interactions with a wider array of stakeholders from the Nigerian government, Swiss companies in Nigeria, members of the Swiss Nigerian Business Council (SNBC), private sector, international organizations, Embassies and other key stakeholders. This all important visit of the Federal Councillor was rounded off with a business breakfast with the SNBC on 23 February 2018.

Group photograph with the Federal Councillor, Swiss delegation and some Nigerian counterparts

We must also mention the visit of our Deputy State Secretary Mrs. Krystyna Marty Lang at the end of January 2018. She was here with an important delegation from Berne for our three annual bilateral dialogues with Nigeria on Migration, Human Rights, and Politics. The review of our collaboration over the last year made it clear that Nigeria and Switzerland currently have excellent bilateral relations in all fields. This is also due to the fact that in December 2017 Switzerland, Nigeria and the World Bank signed an agreement to repatriate to Nigeria 321 million USD of looted assets by former military ruler Sani Abacha. Nigeria and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) also signed a Joint Declaration to develop the trade between the two entities, including Switzerland as a member of EFTA of course. In this edition of the Swiss Gazette, you will find as usual, many other details about the activities of the Embassy in Abuja and those of the General Consulate in Lagos. Let me also inform you that after three years of diligent service in Abuja, I will leave Nigeria in August, after our national day celebration. I am pleased and honored to accept the Federal Council’s appointment as the new Swiss Ambassador to Mexico. I look forward to this new challenge in my diplomatic career. My successor has been appointed and we are awaiting the agreement of the Nigerian government before telling you more about him in our next edition of this Gazette. I wish you a good time reading this edition. Best regards, Eric Mayoraz, Ambassador

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Portrait

Ms. Annalena Flury: Junior Programme Officer, Development

Cooperation

Born in Nairobi, Kenya, I spent my first months of life on the African continent. Coming back to Africa is always like coming home. I am happy to be back home!

I am currently doing my two-year-training as a Junior Programme Officer for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), one of the five policy instruments of Switzerland’s international cooperation. For 14 months I was based in N’Djamena, Chad, and now have the chance to spend one month in Nigeria in order to get an insight into the work of the Swiss Embassy, but also to know fascinating Nigeria.

After moving back from Kenya, I grew up in Switzerland, where I went to school in Bern, and university in Fribourg and Lucerne. Graduating in Media and Communication research and Psychology, I began my career as a journalist with a local radio station before I was engaged as a Communication Officer at a Swiss foundation. After some work experience I decided to go back to university to earn a Master’s degree in Political Science and Social Anthropology.

During my studies I spent 4 months in Ethiopia to write a research paper before I started work at SDC in the domain of global health - first as an Intern, then as a Communication Officer. I then decided to apply for the Junior Staff Programme in international cooperation. My first appointment was at the cooperation office in Chad where I mainly worked in education and vocational skills development projects, which by my estimation, is critical for successful economic, political and social development.

In my spare time I like to travel and discover new places together with my partner.

Working at the Swiss Embassy in Abuja gives me the opportunity to get a first impression of Nigeria. I also spent one week in Lagos to assist in the preparations of the visit of the Swiss Federal Councillor and Minister of Economy and Trade Johann Schneider-Ammann.

Even if only for a short time, I enjoyed being in Nigeria discovering the tasty and spicy food, the nice weather and of course the lovely people. I hope to come back in the near future!

Politics & Economy

Visit of Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann

Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann with Nigeria's Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, and Mrs. Anne-Béatrice Bullinger

The Swiss Federal Councillor and Minister of Economy and Trade Johann Schneider-Ammann visited Abuja and Lagos from 21-23 March 2018, with a delegation of about 30 Swiss businessmen and parliamentarians.

In Abuja, the delegation held significant meetings with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah; the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Dr. Mahmood Isa-Dutse; and the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Ambassador Chiedu Osakwe.

In Lagos, the Consulate General organized a reception at the Eko Hotel, inviting representatives of Swiss companies, members of the Swiss Nigerian Business Council (SNBC), local authorities, and Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Federal Councillor, and the President of Economiesuisse, Mr. Heinz Karrer addressed the invited guests. There were also remarks by the Commissioner of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives of Lagos State, Honorable Mrs. Olayinka

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Oladunjoye and the Director General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Muda Yusuf.

Amb. Mayoraz; Mr. Heinz Karrer; Mr. Muda Yusuf; and Hon. Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye,

On 23 March 2018, the Federal Councillor invited all members of the delegation and of the SNBC for a business breakfast before leaving for Abidjan.

Top: Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann giving

a speech at the Business Breakfast. Bottom: The Federal Councillor with members of the SNBC

Visit of former Swiss President Mrs. Ruth Dreifuss

Former Swiss President Mrs. Ruth Dreifuss visited Nigeria in March 2018 in her capacity as Chairwoman of the Global Commission on Drug Policy. She met with the Minister of Health and the President of the Senate in Abuja. She also gave a public lecture on the subject “The world drug perception problem – Countering

prejudices about people who use drugs”, attended by many students, NGOs and media representatives. She then travelled to Abeokuta on the invitation of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, himself a member of the Global Commission.

Annual General Meeting of the Swiss Nigerian Business Council + KPMG event

On 15 February 2018 the SNBC had its 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, the first one since it was officially registered. The AGM was followed by a seminar led by Mr. Tayo Ogungbero, Partner & Group Head of Transfer Pricing / Tax Consumer & Industrial Markets at KPMG on the topic “Transfer Pricing Audits in Nigeria: Journey so far and lessons learned”. This successful event was concluded with a buffet. For details of membership and activities of the SNBC, kindly visit www.snbc.org.

Speech by SNBC President Mr. Jacques Piekarski

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Switzerland – Nigeria Days 2018

Amb. Muntari Kaita, Mr. Tobias Franz, Amb. Heidi Grau and Amb. Vincenzo Mascioli

The annual bilateral dialogues between Switzerland and Nigeria took place in Abuja from 29-31 January 2018. Two technical dialogues on Migration and on Human Rights took place on 29 and 30, followed by a high level political dialogue on the 31st. Ambassador Krystyna Marty Lang, Deputy State Secretary co-chaired the political consultations with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Olukunle Akindele Bamgbose. Representatives of the Swiss Ministries of Foreign Affairs and State Secretariat for Migration conducted the technical dialogues on Migration and Human Rights. Discussions were frank and fruitful and both parties agreed to hold the next round of the dialogues in Switzerland in 2019.

Mr. Tobias Franz and Ambassador Muntari Kaita

Business meets Politics

On 13 December 2017, the Embassy held the 22nd edition of the “Business meets Politics” (BmP) forum on the topic “Bringing reluctant investors to Nigeria, what can Nigeria do better?” The BmP had the participation of Mr. Hakan Misri, Chief Executive Officer, Hayat Kimya Nigeria, and Professor Kingsley Moghalu,

President, Institute for Governance and Economic Transformation, who both addressed the topic from the perspective of the private sector. Ms. Yewande Sadiku, Executive Secretary / Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) expressed the perspective of the Nigerian government. The forum was successful, with participants from different sectors including diplomatic missions, and private sector actors.

Amb. Mayoraz giving a welcome address

EFTA-Nigeria Joint Declaration on Cooperation signed

On the sidelines of the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires on 12 December 2017, Nigeria, with other member states of the European Free Trade Association (i.e. Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) – signed the EFTA Joint Declaration on Cooperation. Nigeria had initiated it in 2015 during the former presidential administration, but did not proceed to sign it.

The Declaration serves as a useful mechanism for member states to commit to further enhancing economic relations amongst themselves in a mutually beneficial manner. For Nigeria it is a milestone in the process of establishing strategic trade relations with selected countries.

The return of the 2nd Abacha looted assets

After two years of negotiations, Switzerland and Nigeria reached an agreement on the return of the second Abacha loot amounting to 321 million USD. The agreement was formally signed on 4 December 2017 by the three parties in the margins of the Global Forum on Asset Recovery in Washington DC. The agreement has since then entered into force and the money has been restituted. The World Bank will monitor the use of the funds that are to be allocated to the National Safety

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Net programme in the form of cash transfers to the poor. The MoU is an important step for Switzerland and Nigeria and can serve as a model for other such endeavors by other countries.

Human Security

Ambassador visits Director-General of NTA

On 22 January 2018, Ambassador Mayoraz called on the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Alhaji Yakubu Ibn Mohammed. The successful visit led to a news broadcast highlighting the richness of bilateral relations between Nigeria and Switzerland. It also secured a commitment by NTA to partner on initiatives supported by Switzerland in the field of preventing violent extremism.

D-G of NTA Alh. Yakubu Ibn Mohammed and Amb. Mayoraz

Ambassador visits Headquarters of MNJTF & LCBC

During an official visit to Chad mid-February, Ambassador Mayoraz – together with Senior Abuja-based Political Adviser Mr. Pascal Holliger and newly appointed Human Security Adviser in N’Djamena, Mrs. Chiara Vauthey – made a number of follow-up working visits to key interlocutors such as Major-General Leo Irabor, Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force, and Engr. Sanusi Iman Abdullahi, Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC). Respective efforts towards the achievement of peace and security in the region were outlined, as well as Switzerland’s humanitarian aid contribution, while calls were made for continued support and cooperation to further stabilize the troubled region.

Amb. Mayoraz and Major-General Leo Irabor, Commander of the MJTF

Senior Political Adviser Mr. Pascal Holliger, Human Security Adviser Mrs. Chiara Vauthey, Major-General Leo Irabor, Ambassador Mayoraz and representatives of the MJTF

LCBC / AU conference on Lake Chad

As an important stakeholder (especially in humanitarian aid and peace policy activities) on the conflict affecting the region, Switzerland was invited and took part in a Lake Chad Basin Commission / African Union Conference to elaborate a regional stabilization strategy, which held in N’Djamena on 2-4 November 2017. The meeting brought together 200 experts from the region and a few key international partners such as the United Nations and P3 countries. This laudable initiative is timely, as it is carried by key actors in the region and as it focuses on the need to devise and implement more cohesive, coordinated, and multidimensional local and international responses to the conflict. These should focus not only on the consequences of the conflict, but also on its root causes. The final strategy will hopefully be adopted by

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the Authority of LCBC Heads of State in the not too distant future.

ECOWAS Annual Meetings

Two successive important meetings held in late 2017. The first one, on 8-9 November, was the “Annual Coordination Meeting” between ECOWAS and Development Partners, while the second, on 16-17 November, was the inaugural “ECOWAS Parliament Donor Conference”. Both were important events to reaffirm shared commitments in particular to regional peace and security, economic integration, and infrastructural development. As co-chair of the “Peace & Security Thematic Group” (a platform which coordinates the collective relationship between ECOWAS and Development Partners in the field of peace and security), Switzerland played a key convening and substantive role on both occasions.

NISSMUN 2017

On 23 October 2017, the 12th Nigerian International Secondary Schools Model United Nations (NISSMUN) Conference opened at Abuja’s International Conference Centre, with the participation of about 1’000 students and with Ambassador Mayoraz as guest of honour. The following day, about 100 students who studied Switzerland as part of the program visited the Swiss Residence for an exchange on our country’s social, political, and economic particularities. The Embassy has been supporting the NISSMUN initiative since the very first edition 12 years ago. It is an excellent opportunity to interact with a young public and to promote Switzerland with Nigeria’s dynamic new generation.

Workshop on dealing with Non-State Armed Groups

With support from Switzerland, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue organized a workshop on 24-26 October 2017 in Abuja on “Comprehensive Security & Dealing with Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs)”. This workshop was anchored by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and involved senior Nigerian government officials – including armed forces – on key areas related to non-military engagement (i.e. reflecting on the emergence and evolution of NSAGs in Nigeria, reviewing applicable international humanitarian law, analysing case studies of other countries – Indonesia, Afghanistan and Somalia, and exploring best practices related to mediation and negotiation with armed insurgent groups as a complement to necessary military action.

RPC / Cordoba Foundation Workshop

Fourth stage of a Cordoba Foundation-led project aimed at developing and disseminating “constructive alternative narratives” to the discourse of religiously-inspired violent extremism in the Lake Chad region, a 3-day workshop was held in Abuja on 23-25 January 2018. The attendance consisted in a blend of senior religious scholars – including women – and representatives of key media organizations as well as security services, with the objective of agreeing on effective dissemination strategies. A steering committee was established to begin the implementation of the agreed dissemination strategy, leveraging on the excellent buy-in from all stakeholders involved.

Migration

Diplomatic exchange 2017 in Abuja

The five young Swiss diplomats with Permanent Secretary Bamgbose, Director CMAD Kaita, Amb. Mayoraz, Migration Adviser Mrs. Jolanda Pfister Herren, and representatives of MFA

From 16-20 October 2017, a group of young diplomats participated in a diplomatic exchange program in Abuja, organized by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This program, which takes place within the framework of the Swiss-Nigeria Migration Partnership, includes lectures, exchanges and visits to government institutions, and is alternatively organized in Nigeria and in Switzerland. It aims at deepening the relationship, knowledge and understanding of the two Ministries and the State Secretariat for Migration. The next program will take place in Switzerland in 2019 with a group of young Nigerian diplomats, and will be handled by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

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Mrs. Faith Ekwekwuo, Dept. of Training, MFA; Migration Adviser Mrs. Jolanda Pfister Herren; and representatives of MFA

Launch of the “Missing Steps”

On 16 October 2017, the Embassy of Switzerland, the International Organization for Migration and the Nigeria Immigration Service invited stakeholders to an official launch of the television mini-series “The Missing Steps” at the Residence of the Swiss Ambassador in Abuja, in the presence of the filmmaker Charles Okafor.

There has been a growing number of irregular migrants leaving Nigeria in search of a better life elsewhere. The worrying trend is that many of the departures are no longer spontaneous individual decisions but a well-structured and carefully orchestrated agenda to escape difficult socio-economic situations, with the illusion that situations in the destination country is better.

Prominent voices in the field of migration like Ambassador (Dr.) Martins Uhomoibhi, President of Pan African Institute for Global Affairs and Strategy (PAIGAS), and Honorable Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Relations and Diaspora Affairs, were present in support of the launch.

Speakers and participants

Cross section of speakers and guests

“The Missing Steps” television mini-series is aimed at raising awareness of the risks of following irregular migration routes. After airing on the national television, the mini-series can now be accessed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRbKvfUUi8oYsKi4eEJgqnCoca8ZBA1Ey

Empowerment of 60 victims of human trafficking in Lagos and Edo States

Top: Equipment to aid reintegration of victims of trafficking Bottom: Mrs. Jolanda Pfister Herren and UNODC's Mr. Joseph Sanwo presenting equipment to a beneficiary

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On 17 and 22 November 2017, official ceremonies for the presentation of equipment for the empowerment of 60 victims of human trafficking took place in Lagos and in Benin City respectively. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) organized these two events, with the financial support of the Swiss government, represented at the ceremonies by the Migration Adviser Mrs. Jolanda Pfister Herren.

A two-day business management training for the beneficiaries preceded the equipment presentation ceremonies. The objective of the project is to contribute to tackling the issue of human trafficking through a successful rehabilitation and reintegration of victims.

IOM Charter flight from Libya

On 23 November 2017, a charter flight brought back 242 stranded Nigerians from Libya. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Nigerian authorities were at the airport in Lagos to receive them.

Migration Adviser Mrs. Jolanda Pfister Herren with a representative of the Nigerian Immigration Service

Development & Humanitarian Affairs

Switzerland’s humanitarian assistance and situation update

Following years of protracted security crisis in north-eastern Nigeria, communities in the region undoubtedly require humanitarian assistance. More than 1.3 million displaced individuals have since moved back to their places of origin. Basic facilities and services were already severely lacking in the affected regions before the crisis; their (re-)installation to support larger scale and sustainable return of affected communities is expected to be a long and slow process.

Livelihood FAO project in Maiduguri

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) Humanitarian Aid is primarily focusing on food security, nutrition and protection. It is providing financial contributions to partner organizations who are working in these sectors in Nigeria. In 2018 SDC will continue to support the International Committee of the Red Cross, UN agencies (UNICEF, FAO and WFP) and some NGOs. Since the situation requires to move towards more sustainable interventions the food distribution will continue, but livelihood projects will also be supported in order to help people restart their lives. As for protection, the focus will be more on children who have been associated with armed groups, and require special attention in terms of psychological support and reintegration services.

Visit to Abuja IDP Camp

Amb. Heidi Grau, Mr. Pascal Holliger, staff of ADAB Foundation and beneficiaries

On the margins of the annual round of Swiss-Nigeria political consultations which took place in Abuja on 31 January 2018, the Head of our Department of Foreign Affairs Human Security Division, Ambassador Heidi Grau, got a glimpse of reality by visiting a camp for

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persons displaced by the ongoing conflict in north-eastern Nigeria. The visit – organized by an upcoming NGO called ADAB Foundation, enabled the distribution of some food items and lengthy exchanges on the hopes and aspirations of women and children who have been severely affected by the violence.

Culture

New Year Classic Music Concert

On the evening of Saturday 27 January 2018, the Consulate General in Lagos organized its second New Year classical concert in the garden of the Residence, and recorded a good attendance.

Top: Mrs. Teuta Nicolet (Soprano); Mr. Chinedu Amadi (Baritone). Bottom: With Mr. Oparamanuike (Tenor)

Four musicians from The MUSON Centre, and Mrs. Teuta Nicolet, presented an enjoyable program with works of many classic compositors like Bach, Gluck, Mozart, Donizetti, Verdi, Rachmaninov, Gjoni (Albanian), Gounod, Puccini, Sartori. The benefit from the Concert (entrance fees) covered part of the project for the renovation of the kitchen of the orphanage at Mission Mother Theresa in Ketu, a disadvantaged neighborhood of Lagos. Mission Mother Theresa takes care of disabled and abandoned children.

Cocktail after the concert

Swiss Pavilion at the Agrofood and Plastprintpack Trade Fair 2018

For the first time Switzerland had a national pavilion at the Agrofood and Plastprintpack Trade Fair 2018. Swiss presence was very modest, with two companies together with Switzerland Global Enterprises and the Consulate General of Switzerland: Beck Automation AG in Oberengstringen / ZH and IMD Vista in Brügg/BE.

In addition three Swiss companies had their own stand: Bühler AG, Givaudan and Ilapak International SA a company based in Grancia/TI.

Swiss Consul General Mr. Yves Nicolet and stakeholders

The Swiss Consul General, in partnership with the German Consul General organized a side event at the German Residence on 27 March 2018. This collaboration proved to be a real advantage in supporting our companies with more efficiency.

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News from the Embassy

Personnel Changes at the Embassy

After lending maximum and appreciated support to the chancellery, Mr. Lionel Rochat and his family left Abuja for good on 1 April 2018. Mr. Rochat will be replaced sometime this summer by Mr. Sandro Hessami. Editorial team: Eric Mayoraz, Anne-Béatrice Bullinger, Yves Nicolet, Manuel Mutrux, Jolanda Pfister Herren, Pascal Holliger, Christophe Grospierre, Ruth Zumbühl, Ojoma Ali, Babatunde Ajala For suggestions and recommendations, please write to: abu.vertretung@eda.admin.ch

Contacts Embassy of Switzerland

N° 157, Adetokumbo Ademola Crescent

P.O.BOX 5162 Wuse II

Abuja – Nigeria www.eda.admin.ch/abuja

abu.vertretung@eda.admin.ch

Landline phone: +234 (0)9 220 0400/1/2 Mobile phone: +234 (0)810 411 9943/44/45/46

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Visa Section: Monday-Thursday 14:00-16:00 Email: abu.visa@eda.admin.ch Phone: +234 (0)9 220 0404 (Mon-Thur. 14:00-16:00) Mobile phone: +234 (0)810 388 1063

Submission hours: Monday -Thursday: 09:00-11:00 (upon appointment only) For appointments call +234 810 071 81 41 (Monday-Thursday 14:00-15:00)

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