The Netherlands will begin the phased return of 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in June 2025, following a formal agreement signed on 19 February 2025 between Dutch Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, Eppo Bruins, and Director-General of the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway. The restitution process will take place in batches, making this the largest single return of Benin antiquities directly linked to the 1897 British punitive expedition.
The Dutch government acknowledged that these artefacts were stolen from the Kingdom of Benin (now part of Nigeria) by British forces in 1897, sold, and later acquired by Dutch institutions. The government emphasised that this return seeks to address a historical injustice and set a precedent for other nations to follow.
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The Repatriation: What Will Be Returned?
Of the 119 artefacts, 113 belong to the Dutch State Collection and are currently housed in the Wereldmuseum Leiden, a part of the National Museum of World Cultures. The remaining six pieces belong to the municipality of Rotterdam and include a bell, three relief plaques, a coconut casing, and a staff.
These objects, which once adorned the royal palaces and shrines of the Kingdom of Benin, include:
- Intricately crafted brass and bronze plaques
- Ornate personal ornaments
- Royal figures and sculptures
- Ivory artefacts and pendants
View more items in the collection of Wereld museum
Speaking on the historic repatriation, Minister Eppo Bruins stated:
“The return of these objects is the result of intensive cooperation between experts and representatives of both countries. This restitution contributes to redressing a historical injustice that is still being felt today. Cultural heritage is essential for telling and living the history of a country and a community. The Benin Bronzes are indispensable to Nigeria. It is good that they are going back.”
A Model for Other Countries to Follow
Olugbile Holloway, NCMM’s Director-General, expressed gratitude for the Netherlands’ cooperation and called the return a landmark moment in Nigeria’s restitution efforts:
“This is the single largest repatriation of Benin antiquities directly linked to the 1897 British punitive expedition. We thank the Netherlands for their cooperation and hope this will set a good example for other nations of the world in terms of repatriation of lost or stolen antiquities.”
The return has also been welcomed by Rotterdam officials, with Said Kasmi, a member of the city’s municipal executive, affirming:
“Art and heritage should be where they belong. These objects belong in Nigeria. By returning them, we are taking an important step towards recognising the past and respecting the value these objects hold for Nigeria.”
The Kingdom of Benin and the 1897 British Invasion
The Benin Bronzes, renowned for their artistic and historical significance, were crafted by skilled Edo artisans between the 15th and 19th centuries. They were used to decorate royal palaces and shrines in Benin City.
However, in 1897, British troops launched a brutal military raid on the Kingdom of Benin, looting thousands of these sacred objects. The artefacts were subsequently auctioned off to European and American collectors, and today, they are scattered across over 160 museums worldwide.
This restitution follows years of diplomatic negotiations and increasing international pressure for the return of African artefacts stolen during the colonial era.
Growing Momentum for African Cultural Repatriation
The Netherlands’ decision to return the Benin Bronzes aligns with a global movement towards the restitution of stolen African artefacts.
- Germany: In 2022, the German government agreed to return over 1,000 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria.
- United States: The Smithsonian Institution repatriated 29 artefacts in 2022.
- United Kingdom: The Horniman Museum in London returned six Benin Bronzes in 2022.
- Scotland & Ireland: Several institutions in Glasgow and Dublin have also returned stolen artefacts to Nigeria.
However, despite mounting pressure, the British Museum—home to over 900 Benin Bronzes—has yet to return any. UK law currently prohibits the permanent removal of items from its collection, though public protests and diplomatic efforts continue.
The Future of the Benin Bronzes in Nigeria
Once returned, the Nigerian government will determine how and where the Benin Bronzes will be displayed. Many are expected to be housed in the upcoming Edo Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City, designed by renowned British-Ghanaian architect Sir David Adjaye. The museum, set to open in 2026, aims to showcase the largest collection of Benin Bronzes ever assembled.
Until 9 March 2025, some of the artefacts will remain on display at the Wereldmuseum Leiden, after which they will be shipped to Nigeria in stages.
A Step Towards Justice, But More Work to Be Done
While this repatriation represents a major victory for Nigeria and Africa, thousands of African artefacts remain in Western museums and private collections. Nigeria and other African nations continue to push for the return of their stolen heritage, challenging the colonial legacy of Western institutions.
The Netherlands’ decision sets a strong precedent, and the world will be watching to see which nations follow suit next.
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