Netherlands To Hand Over 119 Looted Benin Bronzes To Nigeria On June 21.
The Netherlands will return 119 looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria on 21 June 2025, a historic move to address colonial-era injustices and restore cultural heritage. The artefacts, plundered during the 1897 British punitive expedition against the Benin Kingdom, have been held in Dutch museums and private collections for over a century.
Dutch authorities announced the decision on Thursday, following years of negotiations and growing global calls for the restitution of looted treasures. “Returning these bronzes is a moral and historical duty. We acknowledge the wrongs of the past and are committed to righting them,” a Dutch culture ministry official said. The 119 items, including plaques, sculptures, and royal figures, are part of the famed Benin Bronzes, symbols of the ancient kingdom’s artistry and history.
Nigeria’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Hannatu Musawa, welcomed the move, stating, “These artefacts are not just objects; they embody our identity and heritage.” The handover, set for a ceremony in Benin City, follows similar restitutions by Germany and other nations. The bronzes will be housed in museums and cultural sites, boosting efforts to preserve Nigeria’s legacy and promote tourism.
This action reflects a broader shift towards repatriation, with Nigeria continuing to press for the return of thousands of other looted artefacts held worldwide.
