In a landmark cultural restitution, 119 Benin Bronzes have been officially returned from the Netherlands to Nigeria, marking one of the largest single returns of looted artefacts to the country since the infamous British invasion of Benin City in 1897.
The handover ceremony, which took place at the National Museum in Lagos, at the weekend, was attended by top officials from both nations and representatives of cultural institutions.
The artefacts, part of the Dutch State Collection and the Municipality of Rotterdam, are being repatriated unconditionally, acknowledging their wrongful acquisition during the colonial era.
Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Eppo Bruins, first announced the return in February. The official transfer agreements were signed on February 19 at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden by Minister Bruins and the Director-General of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway.
“The symbolism of this occasion cannot be overemphasised. This represents the largest physical return to Nigeria and the people of Benin since the looting of the Benin Royal Palace by the British in 1897. It is a moment of pride and dignity not just for the Benin people, but for all Nigerians,” DG Holloway stated during the ceremony.
The ceremony was graced by Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Dutch Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation, Dewi van de Weerd; the DG of the NCMM; directors of the Wereldmuseum; and other dignitaries.
The artefacts will initially be housed at the new NCMM Oba Ovonramwen storage facility in Benin City. Plans are underway, in partnership with Coronation Group Limited, to establish a world-class gallery within the facility.
DG Holloway expressed gratitude to Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede for his vital support in realising this vision.
In her remarks, Ambassador van de Weerd praised Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the restitution process, stating, “We congratulate Nigeria on their persistent advocacy for the return of the Benin Bronzes. We hope that this restitution is not the final chapter, but the foundation for further cooperation between Dutch and Nigerian museums.”
Ahead of the ceremony, both countries co-hosted an expert workshop on digital heritage, involving professionals from Nigeria, the Netherlands, and across West Africa. As part of the celebrations, an exhibition titled “Reclaiming Heritage: New Narratives”—curated by young contemporary artists from Benin City—is now on display at the National Museum in Lagos.
This historic return follows recommendations from the Dutch Colonial Collections Committee, based on rigorous provenance research. Of the 119 artifacts, 113 were from the Dutch State Collection, with six others contributed by the Rotterdam city authorities.
The NCMM acknowledged the support and trust of the Oba of Benin, pledging to preserve and display the artifacts with the highest standards of care.
“These objects will be displayed in all their glory,” Holloway said, underscoring Nigeria’s renewed commitment to cultural heritage preservation.
