Nigeria has officially received 119 Benin Bronzes from the Kingdom of the Netherlands—the single largest repatriation of looted artefacts in the country’s history.
The handover ceremony took place at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos, with top government officials, traditional leaders, cultural stakeholders, and foreign dignitaries in attendance. The artefacts, looted during the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom, include commemorative heads, plaques, and ceremonial regalia that have for over a century resided in European institutions, particularly Dutch museums such as the Wereldmuseum in Leiden.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, described the return as a profound act of justice. “These artefacts are more than historical treasures. They are vessels of memory, pride, and identity,” she said. “Their return marks the restoration of a history fragmented by colonial violence and injustice.”
The Minister commended the Dutch Government for their commitment to cultural justice and highlighted the alignment of
the return with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “This repatriation reaffirms our cultural sovereignty and is a step toward the economic and social empowerment of future generations,” she added.
The Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, described the moment as a collective victory. He expressed gratitude to all partners, including the Royal Palace of Benin, and reaffirmed plans to display the returned bronzes at the soon-to-be-completed Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA) in Benin City.
Representing the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, Princess Iku Ewuare-Aimiuwu conveyed royal appreciation, describing the bronzes as sacred symbols of the Benin Kingdom’s resilience and cultural genius.
Also present was Ms. Dewi van de Weerd, Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation of the Netherlands, who underscored the importance of cultural heritage in shaping identity and fostering solidarity. “When a people understand their roots,” she noted, “they are empowered to shape their future with purpose.”
Minister Musawa concluded with a call to action for museums and cultural institutions globally to return other illicitly acquired artefacts, urging adherence to the principles of the UNESCO 1970 Convention.
This historic return of the Benin Bronzes marks not only the end of a century-long cultural displacement but also a new beginning in Nigeria’s journey toward reclaiming its stolen heritage and restoring national pride.
