Nigeria is set to welcome back 119 looted Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands in what is being described as one of the most significant cultural restitutions in African history. The artefacts, taken during the British invasion of Benin Kingdom in 1897, are expected to be returned in batches, with the first shipment arriving by June.
The announcement was made by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) following the signing of a formal agreement between Nigeria and the Netherlands. The signing ceremony took place at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden, where the bronzes have been on display for years.
According to Mr. Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of NCMM, this repatriation is the result of years of diplomatic engagement, formal requests, and persistent dialogue between both nations.
The Long Road to Repatriation
The campaign for the return of Benin Bronzes has been ongoing for decades, with Nigeria persistently calling for European museums and governments to return artefacts that were forcefully taken during colonial rule.
In September 2022, the NCMM formally submitted a request to the Dutch government for the unconditional return of the Benin Bronzes in its possession. The issue resurfaced at the European Union-African Union conference in Ethiopia in July 2024, where Nigeria and the Netherlands resumed discussions on the matter.
By November 2024, the Netherlands’ independent Colonial Collections Committee recommended the return of the artefacts, paving the way for a final decision. “The return of the 119 objects will represent the single largest physical return of Benin antiquities directly linked to the 1897 British punitive expedition,” Holloway stated.
Looted History: The 1897 Benin Massacre
The Benin Bronzes were among thousands of artefacts plundered by British forces when they invaded the Benin Kingdom in 1897. The attack, known as the British punitive expedition, resulted in the destruction of the kingdom, the looting of its treasures, and the eventual exile of the Oba of Benin.
Following the invasion, the stolen artefacts were sold to European collectors and museums, with many ending up in institutions across the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. Some of these bronzes have since been auctioned for millions of dollars, sparking widespread calls for their return to Nigeria.
The Netherlands is now the latest European country to formally commit to repatriation, following similar steps taken by Germany and the United Kingdom in recent years.
A Symbol of Friendship and Fairness
Holloway highlighted the role of diplomacy in securing the return of the bronzes, emphasizing the cooperation between both nations.
“This circumstance surrounding this return is built on years of purposeful, joint pursuits and the long-standing friendship of our nations. This is witnessed in regular engagements in diplomatic consultations on bilateral relations and other issues of mutual interest,” he said.
He also commended the Dutch government for its fairness in handling the matter. “The Netherlands’ fair-mindedness was equally seen in the immense support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria to the NCMM,” he added.
Acknowledging Key Supporters
The NCMM acknowledged the vital role played by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy in facilitating the repatriation process.
“We also appreciate our Honorable Minister, Hannatu Musawa, for all the invaluable support rendered in making this significant development possible,” Holloway said.
What’s Next for the Bronzes?
With the return of these artefacts now imminent, attention has turned to how Nigeria plans to preserve and display them.
There have been calls for a dedicated museum in Benin City to house the bronzes, ensuring they remain accessible to the public and serve as a symbol of cultural pride. However, concerns over security and proper conservation measures have also been raised, given Nigeria’s history of inadequate funding for museums.
As the first batch of artefacts is set to arrive in June, stakeholders hope this milestone will encourage other European countries still holding Benin Bronzes to follow suit and return more of Nigeria’s looted treasures.
“This is not just about art; it is about justice, history, and reclaiming our identity,” said a Nigerian historian, reacting to the news. “These artefacts belong in Nigeria, where they were created, and where they tell the story of a civilization that was robbed of its heritage.”
With this latest development, Nigeria edges closer to reclaiming its stolen past—one artefact at a time.
