Nigeria to Receive 119 Benin Bronzes from Netherlands in Historic Restitution
Oru Leonard
The Netherlands will return 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria on June 21, 2025, in a significant cultural restitution effort. The artifacts, looted during the British attack on Benin City in 1897, will be officially handed over to the Nigerian government at the National Museum in Lagos.
This restitution represents the largest physical return of Benin artifacts to Nigeria since the looting of the Benin Royal Palace.
The Dutch government has acknowledged that the objects were acquired through violence and theft, and has decided to return them unconditionally.
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), has partnered with Coronation Group Limited to establish a world-class gallery within the NCMM Oba Ovonramwen storage facility in Benin City.
A joint expert workshop on digital heritage will be convened by the Netherlands and Nigeria, bringing together experts from both countries and the wider West African region.
“On this historic occasion, it gives us great joy to finally welcome the return of 119 Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands. 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.” The DG NCMM has said in his speech.
“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”, Dutch Ambassador, Dewi van de Weerd noted.
The return of the Benin Bronzes sets a precedent for other nations holding looted African artifacts, strengthening Nigeria’s campaign for global repatriation efforts and acknowledging colonial violence.
(NCMM Media, June 18, 2025)
