The Netherlands will return 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria after a formal request from the Nigerian government. This marks a major step in reclaiming Africa’s cultural heritage. The Nigerian embassy in the Netherlands announced the decision on Tuesday.
The handover agreements were signed at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden, where the bronzes were displayed. The Dutch Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, Eppo Bruins, and Nigeria’s Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, finalized the deal. The artifacts are expected to arrive in Nigeria later this year.
“This return helps correct a historical wrong that still affects people today,” said Bruins. “Cultural heritage is vital for telling a nation’s story. The Benin Bronzes belong in Nigeria. It is good they are returning.”
The Netherlands acknowledged that the bronzes were looted during the 1897 British invasion of Benin City. The country is returning them unconditionally, making this the largest single repatriation of Benin artifacts linked to the colonial raid.
Bengt van Loosdrecht, the Netherlands’ ambassador-designate to Nigeria, praised the West African nation’s long fight for their return. “For over 50 years, Nigeria has worked to recover the Benin Bronzes. This step strengthens our partnership,” he said.
Holloway stressed the importance of this return, saying it could encourage other countries to follow suit. “We appreciate the Netherlands’ cooperation and hope this sets a global example for repatriating looted artifacts,” he added.
Dutch museums expressed a commitment to continued collaboration with Nigeria. They hope the return of these bronzes will lead to more partnerships between museums in both countries.
The signing ceremony was attended by key officials, including Babatunde Adebiyi, NCMM Legal Director, and Nnenne Ebekaku, Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in the Netherlands.
Dutch officials stated that the decision followed expert recommendations and aligns with the Netherlands’ policy on returning colonial-era artifacts. Of the 119 items, 113 belonged to the Dutch State collection, while six were returned by the Municipality of Rotterdam.
This move adds momentum to the global campaign for the return of African cultural heritage, with Nigeria leading the way.