Netherlands To Return 119 Bronzes To Benin Kingdom

The Netherlands is set to return 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, marking a significant step in the global effort to repatriate looted artefacts.

A statement from the Dutch embassy in Nigeria confirmed that the transfer agreement will be signed today, Wednesday, February 19 by Dutch Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, Eppo Bruins, and Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM).

The artefacts are expected to arrive in Nigeria later this year, with 113 of the items currently held in the Dutch State Collection, while six belong to the Municipality of Rotterdam.

Minister Bruins said the return of these objects represents an important step in addressing historical wrongs. Speaking at a signing ceremony at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden, the minister stated,

“This restitution helps to redress a historical injustice that continues to resonate today.”
“We commend Nigeria for its leadership in advocating for the return of looted cultural artefacts.

For over five decades, Nigeria has championed the return of the Benin Bronzes, and this milestone underscores the strength of our partnership,” he added.
He emphasised the importance of cultural heritage in preserving national identity, stating,

“The Benin Bronzes are an essential part of Nigeria’s history, and it is right that they are returning home.”
Holloway, Nigeria’s NCMM Director-General, called the repatriation a historic achievement.

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“The return of 119 artefacts from the Netherlands represents the most significant restitution of Benin antiquities linked to the 1897 British punitive expedition,” he remarked. “We thank the Netherlands for their collaboration and hope this serves as a model for other nations to follow in repatriating looted heritage.”

The Netherlands’ decision follows similar repatriations by other nations, including Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom.