Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has revealed the outcome of his meeting with the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Egloff.
Obi disclosed that his discussions with the Swiss official focused on strengthening development partnerships and advancing Nigeria’s growth through investments in education, healthcare and poverty reduction.
In a post shared on X, Obi described the meeting as productive and engaging, noting that both sides discussed Nigeria’s developmental journey and the importance of collaboration in critical sectors that directly affect the lives of citizens.
“Yesterday, I met with the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Egloff, and we had a productive and engaging discussion on our country’s developmental journey, with particular emphasis on the critical sectors that drive development: education, healthcare, and lifting people out of poverty,” Obi wrote.
The former Anambra State governor also expressed appreciation to the Swiss Confederation for its continued support to Nigeria, particularly in the areas of economic development, culture, humanitarian assistance and peace-building efforts in the North-East.
“I expressed my gratitude for the invaluable contributions of the Swiss Confederation to Nigeria’s development, especially its support for critical economic, cultural, humanitarian, and peace-building initiatives, particularly in the North-East,” he said.
Obi stressed that building stronger international partnerships based on shared values and a commitment to human development remains essential to achieving a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria.
“Building stronger partnerships founded on shared values and a commitment to human development remains essential to creating a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria. A New Nigeria is POssible,” he added.
The meeting comes about a week after Obi participated in a high-level roundtable in Berlin, Germany, at the invitation of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), where discussions focused on Nigeria’s future beyond the 2027 general election.
The roundtable, titled “Nigeria in 2027 and Beyond,” brought together policymakers, diplomats, development experts, business leaders, representatives of international organisations and members of the international media.
According to Obi, the discussions centred on Nigeria’s democratic journey after 2027, development cooperation, international relations and ways to strengthen bilateral partnerships that could accelerate economic growth and improve the lives of Nigerians.
“Our discussions centred on Nigeria’s democratic journey beyond 2027, international affairs, development cooperation, and the need to strengthen bilateral partnerships that can accelerate economic growth and improve the lives of our people,” he wrote after the meeting.
He disclosed that participants also examined how Nigeria could deepen collaboration with international partners to support small and medium-sized enterprises, describing SMEs as the backbone of every productive economy.
Obi further said the discussions covered strengthening democratic institutions, expanding trade and investment opportunities, promoting regional stability, improving governance and creating an environment that inspires confidence among citizens, investors and international partners.
He noted that he was encouraged by the strong interest shown by participants, adding that the presence of senior representatives of the German Federal Government, development agencies, business associations, policy institutes, foundations, international organisations and global media organisations reflected Nigeria’s strategic importance.
During the discussions, Obi reiterated his belief that Nigeria has the human and natural resources needed to become a prosperous and globally competitive nation if it is led by competent and accountable leaders.
“What is required is competent, accountable, and compassionate leadership that prioritises investment in people, education, healthcare, productive enterprise, the rule of law, and strong institutions over politics of consumption,” he said.
He also expressed optimism that Nigeria could move “from consumption to production, from poverty to prosperity, and from division to unity” through good governance, fiscal responsibility and productive international partnerships.
Obi thanked the European Council on Foreign Relations for inviting him to the event and described the discussions as important for strengthening international cooperation and building lasting partnerships.
“I sincerely thank the European Council on Foreign Relations for the invitation and all participants for a frank, engaging, and constructive exchange of ideas. Conversations such as these remain vital in fostering mutual understanding, strengthening international cooperation, and building enduring partnerships for the benefit of Nigeria, Africa, and the global community,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor is expected to contest the January 2027 presidential election alongside President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress, among other candidates.
