The Federal Government has taken possession of two Benin bronzes returned from the United States, marking another key step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reclaim cultural treasures looted during the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom.
The Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy received a bronze relief plaque and a commemorative head from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
The artefacts were handed back by the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described the development as a historic achievement. She praised the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, for driving the process, adding that more repatriations are expected.
“This is a historic moment for Nigeria, the ministry, and the good people of the Benin Kingdom. We are still in conversation with several other institutions that hold these artefacts, and soon the process of returning them all to their rightful owners will begin,” she said.
Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, thanked all parties who contributed to securing the artefacts.
He noted that the return marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s larger campaign for restitution.
“What we are witnessing today is the return of a huge part of Nigeria’s history. While this occasion is symbolic to Benin, it is also symbolic to Nigeria’s broader restitution struggle,” he stated.
The symbolic handover occurred in the presence of three high chiefs representing the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, according to a statement from the Minister’s Special Adviser, Nneka Anibeze.
Arts Newspapers in the US reported that the MFA in Boston returned the items during a ceremony at Nigeria House in New York in June 2025. MFA Director Matthew Teitelbaum said it was “deeply gratifying” to return the pieces to their rightful owners after 12 years in the museum’s collection.
The Benin bronzes—more than 2,000 brass and bronze artworks—were taken by British forces in 1897 and scattered across museums and private collections around the world.
Nigeria has stepped up diplomatic engagement in recent years to secure their return, signing agreements with institutions in the US, UK, and Europe.
This latest handover follows a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and the United States focused on repatriating looted artefacts and improving cultural collaboration.
Officials say the development supports President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda to restore cultural heritage and promote national identity.
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