Nigeria has officially taken custody of two Benin bronzes returned from the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, marking another milestone in the country’s ongoing global restitution campaign for looted cultural treasures.
The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy received the artifacts—a bronze relief plaque and a commemorative bronze head—on Monday from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both pieces were among thousands looted during the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom.
Speaking at the symbolic handover, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described the development as a proud moment for both Nigeria and the Benin Kingdom.
“This is a historic moment for Nigeria, the ministry, and the good people of the Benin Kingdom,” she stated, adding that negotiations with other holders of Nigerian antiquities were ongoing. “Soon, the return of more heritage objects to their rightful owners will commence.”
Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders, including Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, who championed the recovery efforts. He stressed that the return was not just a Benin triumph but a national victory for heritage restitution.
According to a statement by Special Adviser Nneka Anibeze, three representatives of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, witnessed the event.
Reports from U.S. cultural media confirm that the MFA returned the objects at an earlier ceremony held in June 2025 at Nigeria House, New York. MFA Director Matthew Teitelbaum said it was an honour to return the works, noting they had been under the museum’s care for 12 years.
The Benin bronzes, comprising over 2,000 historic works, are currently held in museums and private collections worldwide. Their return has gained momentum through diplomatic agreements signed with institutions across Europe and the United States, including a 2023 MoU between both countries on artifact restitution and cultural cooperation.
The repatriation aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” cultural agenda, focused on preserving Nigeria’s identity, heritage ownership and historical legacy.
