Nigeria’s Museum Commission to Oversee Retrieval and Custody of Benin Bronzes

Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) has been given the responsibility of retrieving and preserving the priceless Benin Bronzes, following an agreement with the Oba of Benin, who was recognized nearly two years ago as the rightful owner and custodian of the artifacts.

The decision marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to recover the historic treasures, which were looted by British forces during the 1897 invasion of the Benin Kingdom. The Oba, Ewuare II, has now endorsed the NCMM to facilitate repatriation efforts, ensure proper conservation, and oversee public display of the artifacts.

NCMM Director-General Abba Tijani emphasized that the commission has the expertise and infrastructure to care for the bronzes, which have been scattered across museums and private collections worldwide for over a century. The collaboration is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s case in negotiations for the return of more artifacts from institutions in Europe and the United States.

In recent years, countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands have agreed to return stolen cultural treasures to Nigeria. This latest agreement between the NCMM and the Benin royal palace aims to ensure that the bronzes are housed and managed in a manner that respects both their historical significance and the heritage of the Edo people.

The move comes amid growing global calls for former colonial powers to return looted artifacts to their countries of origin.