Abuja, June 22, 2025 – The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially received a fresh batch of looted Benin artefacts repatriated from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, marking another significant milestone in the country’s ongoing cultural restitution campaign.
The return of the treasured cultural items was formalised during a brief handover ceremony attended by top government officials, cultural advocates, and representatives of the Dutch government. The artefacts, originally looted from the Benin Kingdom during the colonial invasion of 1897, were preserved in Dutch museums for decades before negotiations led to their voluntary return.
Receiving the artefacts on behalf of the Nigerian government, officials from the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) hailed the move as a victory for Nigeria’s heritage and a symbol of growing international respect for cultural justice.
Speaking at the event, the Nigerian representatives expressed deep appreciation to the Dutch authorities for honouring their commitment to ethical restitution and for supporting Nigeria’s effort to restore and preserve its historical identity.
“These artefacts are more than artistic masterpieces — they are sacred emblems of our people’s dignity, identity, and resilience. Their return represents a restoration of memory and a healing of historical wounds,” one official noted.
The repatriated items are expected to be temporarily housed at the NCMM before eventual relocation to the soon-to-be-completed Edo Museum of West African Art in Benin City, a world-class facility dedicated to preserving and showcasing Nigeria’s ancient heritage.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its dedication to retrieving all stolen artefacts scattered across the globe, as it continues to engage in diplomatic and cultural discussions with international partners. This latest development further strengthens Nigeria’s global campaign for the restitution of its looted heritage and the broader African call for justice and cultural restoration.
