The Nigerian Government has taken hold of some of the repatriated Benin Bronze artefacts from Germany.
The Formal Handing over ceremony, took place in Abuja at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Members of the German Government and other top Dignitaries in Attendance.
A HISTORIC MOMENT for Nigeria, as it reclaims some of its priced possessions.
BENIN BRONZE ARTEFACTS, carted away many years ago have now been returned by the German government
This is the outcome of intense Negotiations with the Nigerian Government.
At the Formal Handing over Ceremony, the Minister of Information and Culture, says the Nigerian Government is already setting up the necessary infrastructure around the National Museum in Benin City, to create a safe place for the repatriated artifacts.
The Minister also beckoned on the British government and other Nations and institutions still holding on to Nigeria’s artifacts to emulate Germany and release them .
The Federal Government says Germany has written its name in Gold in Nigeria’s History for its act of kindness , sincerity and Justice in returning the highest number of Benin Bronzes to Nigeria.
Most of the treasures were stolen from the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin — ruled by the Oba of Benin now a part of southern Nigeria — and some ended up in the custody of other foreign governments including Germany.
In recent years, Nigerian authorities have intensified efforts to have the looted artefacts returned. Earlier this year, Germany pledged to repatriate more than 1,000 of them in the coming years.
Nigeria is Germany’s second-largest trade partner in Africa and by returning the items it hopes to start a new chapter for future bilateral.
Activists say there needs to be more accountability that goes beyond the return of the looted items, such as compensation by the holders of the treasures for the losses incurred by African countries throughout years of looting and the gains made from exhibiting them in Museums across the World.
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