The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed on Monday stated that Nigeria had signed an agreement for the repatriation of about 1,130 Benin bronzes from Berlin, Germany.
Lai Mohammed during the launch of The Art Hotel in Lagos declared that the bronzes were stolen from the ancient city of Benin in 1897, 125 years ago.
He however went to assure Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment toward getting back the nation’s prized works of art. He said:
“Let me restate our commitment to recovering our priceless works of art which were looted from our country. There is no doubt that the return of the most coveted Benin bronzes to Nigeria will help to stimulate domestic tourism in our country,” he additionally disclosed that the Federal Government’s efforts towards that effect have started to yield fruits.
“Last week, in Berlin, Germany, we signed the agreement for the repatriation of 1,130 Benin bronzes which were looted from the ancient city of Benin kingdom in 1897. This number represents the single largest repatriation of looted works of art anywhere in the world.” He further concluded.
