• The Netherlands returned 119 ancient sculptures known as the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria.
• The artifacts were looted by British soldiers over 120 years ago during the colonial era.
• This marks the largest single repatriation of Nigerian artifacts to date.
• The return underscores the growing international commitment to restoring cultural heritage.
• Nigeria previously requested the return of hundreds of objects from museums worldwide.

The Netherlands officially returned 119 ancient sculptures, known as the Benin Bronzes, to Nigeria, artifacts stolen from the former kingdom of Benin more than 120 years ago during the colonial era. This handover ceremony, which celebrated a significant step in international cultural restitution, was held at the National Museum in Lagos, where four of the returned pieces were showcased, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

The artefacts, which include human and animal figures, plaques, and royal regalia, were looted by British troops in 1897, resulting in a significant loss of cultural heritage for Nigeria. Olugbile Holloway, director-general of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments, emphasized that these artifacts represent "the spirit and identity of the people from which they were taken," highlighting the importance of their return, according to Africa News and India Times.

The return coincides with a broader movement among museums in Europe and North America to address the ownership disputes of artifacts taken during the colonial era. Notably, more than 1,000 additional Benin Bronzes are set to be returned by Germany, with ongoing efforts from Nigeria to secure the return of more cultural items from various institutions, as noted in multiple reports, including Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, and Africa News.

During the ceremony, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, described the return as a form of "divine intervention," reflecting the cultural significance and emotional impact of the artefacts' return on the Nigerian people. Marieke Van Bommel, director of the Wereld Museum, reiterated the Dutch commitment to repatriating artifacts that are rightfully the heritage of other nations, according to Africa News and India Times.