The Federal Government is set to deepen skills acquisition for Nigerian youths as Switzerland moves to expand ongoing vocational training support through its companies operating in the country.
This followed a high-level meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and his Swiss counterpart, Ignazio Cassis, where both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation across key sectors, with a strong emphasis on youth training and employability.
Speaking after the meeting, Cassis confirmed that Switzerland is already playing an active role in Nigeria’s skills development space through private sector involvement, noting that the partnership is expected to grow further.
He said, “Thirdly, we are contributing to vocational training in Nigeria, with the Swiss companies in Nigeria creating the best conditions for young people to peacefully live together by being skilled enough to have jobs for the future.”
The development signals a renewed push by the Federal Government to tackle youth unemployment by leveraging existing international partnerships, particularly those tied to industry-led training models. Swiss firms operating in Nigeria are expected to play a central role in delivering practical, job-ready skills aligned with labour market demands.
Beyond training, discussions between both countries also touched on broader economic cooperation, including trade and investment, which officials say will further support job creation and skills transfer. Cassis disclosed that both sides are exploring the possibility of a free trade agreement involving Nigeria and the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
“We are considering to analyse the opportunity of making a free trade agreement with the AfCFTA family and Nigeria,” he said, adding that such a move would strengthen economic ties and open up more opportunities for collaboration.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, described the engagement as part of a long-standing relationship between both countries, noting that Swiss businesses already have a visible presence in Nigeria’s economy.
“There were other discussions about Swiss businesses and investments. There are so many of them, and that is why from here he goes to Lagos to engage with the private sector,” Tuggar stated.
The planned engagement with the private sector is expected to further align vocational training initiatives with industry needs, ensuring that beneficiaries acquire relevant and employable skills.
While the meeting also addressed security cooperation, migration, and cultural exchange, officials maintained that skills acquisition remains a critical pillar in addressing long-term economic stability and social development.
The Federal Government believes that strengthening vocational training through partnerships like this will not only improve employment outcomes for young Nigerians but also contribute to national growth by building a more skilled and competitive workforce.
