NIGERIA RECEIVES TWO BENIN BRONZES RETURNED FROM BOSTON MUSEUM IN MAJOR HERITAGE RECLAMATION MILESTONE

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Nigeria on Monday recorded another significant victory in its quest to reclaim stolen cultural treasures, as the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy formally received two Benin bronzes repatriated from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

The artefacts a bronze relief plaque and a commemorative head — were handed over to the ministry by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja. Both pieces were among thousands looted during the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom.

Speaking during the symbolic ceremony, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, hailed the return as a historic step in Nigeria’s ongoing restitution efforts.

“This is a historic moment for Nigeria, the ministry, and the good people of the Benin Kingdom,” she said. “We are still in discussions with several other institutions that hold these artefacts, and soon the process of returning them all to their rightful owners will begin.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, was commended for his role in facilitating the repatriation.

Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, praised the joint efforts that made the return possible, acknowledging NCMM staff and Prince Aghatise Erediauwa for their dedication to the recovery process.

“What we are witnessing today is the return of a huge part of Nigeria’s history,” Holloway said. “While this occasion is symbolic to Benin, it is equally symbolic to Nigeria’s broader restitution struggle. We also have objects from Ife, so this event is historic, irrespective of the small gathering.”

The handover was witnessed by three high chiefs representing the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, according to a statement released by Nneka Anibeze, Special Adviser to the minister.

The Benin bronzes a globally renowned collection of more than 2,000 brass and bronze plaques and sculptures were plundered by British troops in 1897 and dispersed to museums and private collections across Europe and the United States.

Nigeria has intensified its diplomatic efforts over the past decade, securing commitments and returns from institutions in the U.S., U.K., Germany, and other European countries. The latest repatriation aligns with the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding signed between Nigeria and the United States to promote restitution and cultural cooperation.

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, the federal government has renewed its push to restore cultural heritage, strengthen national identity, and recover artefacts taken during colonial rule.

The return of the two bronzes marks another key step in Nigeria’s long-running campaign to reclaim its stolen treasures.