The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) announced on Monday that Nigeria will receive a collection of repatriated Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands in June.

In a statement, NCMM Director-General Olugbile Holloway revealed that a total of 119 Benin Bronzes will be returned in phases, with the first batch arriving in June. Holloway emphasized that the return of the artefacts is the result of years of dedicated collaboration and a strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. "In September 2022, NCMM formally requested the unconditional return of the Benin Bronzes held in the Netherlands," he stated.

"The conversation on repatriation was reignited in July 2024 during the European Union and African Union conference in Ethiopia, strengthening discussions between Nigeria and the Netherlands," he added.

"And in November 2024, following extensive discussions, the independent Colonial Collections Committee issued a favorable recommendation, leading the Netherlands government to approve the return of 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria."

"The repatriation of these 119 artefacts will mark the largest single physical return of Benin antiquities directly linked to the 1897 British punitive expedition, with the first batch set to arrive in Nigeria by June."

"This return is the result of years of dedicated collaboration and the enduring friendship between our nations."

"This is evident in the ongoing diplomatic engagements and consultations on bilateral relations and other shared interests," he stated. Holloway also highlighted the Netherlands' fairness, acknowledging the significant support provided by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria to the NCMM. He emphasized that their efforts and support in facilitating this repatriation cannot be overstated.

"The NCMM wishes to express its gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy."

"We also extend our appreciation to our Honourable Minister, Hannatu Musawa, for her invaluable support in making this historic achievement a reality," he stated.