Cultural Justice: Switzerland backs return of looted Benin artefacts to Nigeria

Nigeria has recorded a significant milestone in its long-standing campaign for cultural restitution, as it secured fresh commitments from Switzerland for the return of looted Benin artefacts.

The breakthrough was reached during a high-level diplomatic meeting in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and his Swiss counterpart, Ignazio Cassis, where both countries agreed to deepen bilateral ties while prioritising the repatriation of stolen cultural treasures.

Speaking after the meeting, Tuggar described the planned return of the artefacts as a historic step toward correcting past injustices and restoring Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

He noted that many of the artefacts were taken during the infamous Benin Expedition of 1897, stressing that their return goes beyond diplomacy and touches on identity, history, and national pride.

“The return of these artefacts is not merely symbolic. It is a recognition of our history and a step toward justice for the people whose heritage was taken,” Tuggar said.

The Benin artefacts renowned for their intricate craftsmanship and historical significance have been at the centre of global restitution debates, with Nigeria intensifying efforts in recent years to reclaim them from museums and private collections across Europe.

Switzerland, through its foreign minister Cassis, reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating the return process as part of broader cultural cooperation with Nigeria. He emphasised that the move aligns with growing international recognition of the need to address colonial-era injustices.

The agreement signals a renewed momentum in Nigeria’s quest to recover looted artefacts, particularly those originating from the ancient Benin Kingdom, now in present-day Edo State.

Observers say the development could encourage other nations holding similar artefacts to accelerate restitution processes, as global pressure mounts for the return of cultural property acquired under questionable circumstances.

Beyond restitution, both countries also pledged to strengthen collaboration in trade, security, and migration, but the cultural agreement remains the highlight marking another step toward restoring Nigeria’s stolen heritage to its rightful home.