The Federal Government has received two Benin bronzes repatriated from the United States, marking another milestone in Nigeria’s drive to recover cultural treasures looted during the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom.
The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy on Monday took delivery of a bronze relief plaque and a commemorative head from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The artefacts were returned by the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), Boston.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described the development as historic. She commended the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, for facilitating the process, noting that more returns are expected.
“This is a historic moment for Nigeria, the ministry, and the good people of the Benin Kingdom. We are still in conversation with several other institutions that hold these artefacts, and soon the process of returning them all to their rightful owners will begin,” she said.
Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders involved in securing the pieces.
He said the return represents a significant step in Nigeria’s broader restitution efforts.
“What we are witnessing today is the return of a huge part of Nigeria’s history. While this occasion is symbolic to Benin, it is also symbolic to Nigeria’s broader restitution struggle,” he stated.
The symbolic handover took place in the presence of three high chiefs representing the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, according to a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser, Nneka Anibeze.
The Arts Newspapers in the US reported that the MFA, Boston returned the artefacts at a ceremony at Nigeria House, New York, in June 2025. MFA Director Matthew Teitelbaum said it was “deeply gratifying” to return the pieces to their rightful owners after 12 years in the museum’s custody.
The Benin bronzes—over 2,000 brass and bronze works—were seized by British forces in 1897 and dispersed to museums and private collections worldwide.
Nigeria has intensified diplomatic efforts in recent years to secure their return, signing agreements with institutions in the US, UK, and Europe.
The latest handover follows a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and the United States aimed at repatriating looted artefacts and boosting cultural cooperation.
Officials say the development aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda to restore cultural heritage and strengthen national identity.
