The Netherlands has announced the return of over 100 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, centuries after British troops looted them from the Kingdom of Benin.
British soldiers stole the intricate sculptures—depicting royal figures and animals—during a violent raid in the late 19th century, scattering them across museums worldwide.
The Wereldmuseum in Leiden will return 113 bronzes, while Rotterdam will send back six additional artefacts taken during the 1897 British expedition.
Nigeria has long fought for the return of these cultural treasures, which hold deep historical and spiritual significance for the country.
Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments, called the repatriation the largest single return of Benin artefacts directly linked to the infamous raid.
Dutch Minister of Culture, Education, and Science Eppo Bruins emphasized that the return acknowledges a historical injustice still felt today.
“We hope this serves as an inspiration for other nations to take similar steps,” Holloway stated, urging museums worldwide to reconsider their holdings.
Germany took similar action in 2022, repatriating Benin Bronzes, but the British Museum in London refuses to follow suit.
A 1963 law prevents the British Museum from returning its collection, despite growing pressure from Nigeria and cultural advocates.
With this historic repatriation, Nigeria takes another step toward reclaiming its stolen heritage and restoring its cultural legacy.
