At a ceremony in the nation’s capital, Abuja, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock returned to Nigeria 22 artifacts that were stolen in the 19th century.
Following an agreement established earlier this year to transfer ownership of more than 1,000 of these priceless items, this collection of Benin Bronzes has been returned.
Recall that in July of this year, Germany and Nigeria signed a proclamation allowing all 1,130 Benin Bronzes to be displayed in public museums in Germany.
Lai Mohammed, the minister of information and culture, gave a speech at the ceremony and praised the German government for returning the stolen goods.
However, he emphasized to the German authorities that Nigeria also demands the repatriation of all other Nigerian artifacts that were forcibly or unlawfully exported, in addition to the Benin Bronzes.
”It is upon returning these artefacts that true justice will be seen to have been done.”
He said
Mohammed used the occasion to urge other nations that have items taken from Nigeria to honorably return them.
