In a historic move, the Netherlands has agreed to return 119 Benin Bronzes that were looted from the Kingdom of Benin during the British attack of 1897.
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) confirmed that these artifacts will be returned to Nigeria in June.
The repatriation deal, finalized on Wednesday, involves 113 pieces from the Dutch State Collection and six more from the Municipality of Rotterdam.
The ceremony, which took place at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden, marked a major milestone in the effort to bring these stolen cultural treasures back to their rightful home.
Mr. Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of the NCMM, emphasized that the return of these bronzes is the result of years of dialogue and cooperation between Nigeria and the Netherlands.
He explained that the request for the unconditional return of the Benin Bronzes was formally made in September 2022, and since then, the two nations have worked closely to finalize the agreement.
The discussions surrounding the bronzes reignited in 2024 during the European Union and African Union conference in Ethiopia.
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After more deliberations, the Netherlands’ government, guided by the recommendation of the independent Colonial Collections Committee, decided to return the 119 pieces.
This repatriation marks the largest return of Benin artifacts connected to the infamous 1897 British punitive expedition.
Holloway praised the Netherlands for its fairness and the support provided by its embassy in Nigeria, highlighting the diplomatic relations that led to this momentous return.
The first batch of the Benin Bronzes is expected to arrive in Nigeria by June. The NCMM also thanked the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, along with Minister Hannatu Musawa, for their crucial role in making the return possible.
