Speaking on Tuesday at a meeting between officials from both countries, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said it was agreed that the Benin bronzes from German museums shall be released to Nigeria.
Mohammed further hinted that the bronzes upon repatriated are expected to be exhibited at the proposed museum being anchored by the Legacy Restoration Trust, of
which the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), is a part.
He spoke at a meeting between the Nigerian government and its German counterpart
He said, “ After the last meeting, Germany released a globally acknowledged statement signifying its intention to release a substantial part of the Benin antiquities in its hold.
“The German delegation has also signified its intention to assist us in building a storage facility for the repatriated antiquities. I am informed that this facility will be built as part of the National Museum complex in Benin, which ultimately will be part of the Cultural hub which European partners and the NCMM, the Edo Government and the Royal Palace of Benin, through the Legacy Restoration Trust, are constructing.
“I must say this is a welcome development and a great example to the world, especially to those other countries holding Nigerian artfacts.
“ It is therefore with pleasure that I welcome the German delegation, which is here in Nigeria to meet with all stakeholders as part of efforts to work out the modalities for the return of the Nigerian artefacts.”
Leader of the German delegation and Director General, Culture and Communication, Federal Foreign office, Mr. Andreas Gorgen, acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian government towards achieving a seamless repatriation of the artefacts.
Gorgen said, “We have come to acknowledge the significant efforts of the Nigerian government and efforts made by Edo state under governor Obaseki for the leadership role played in the request for the repatriation of nigerian artifacts.
“We did not forget that Nigeria has developed through the 70s and we are here to testify the willingness of the federal ministers concerning Edo objects . We testify our willingness to restitute the objects, the restitution that will produce their return. The time has come to renovate the museums and we will join forces together with the Nigerian government to co-build a center for the return of archeological artifacts where repatriated artifacts would be kept.
“The second step is to look at archeology, if we dig deep into the past we would see that our diversity is our energy.”
Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki in his short remark said the state is committed to supporting the processes that will lead to the actual return of the priceless heritage of the people.
