German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock and Claudia Roth, Minister of State for Culture and Media, returned 22 Benin objects to Nigeria.

The ceremonial handover held in Abuja saw the presence of the minister of Information and Culture, Director General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Director of Museums among others.

These collections are from German museums and over a thousand more works of art from the and the Linden Museum will follow.

Annalena Baerbock said at the handover: “It was wrong that these Benin bronzes were stolen and it was wrong that our country kept them. Even if the return cannot heal all wounds, it is an important step in coming to terms with Germany’s colonial past. We also want to face this part of our history.”

 Claudia Roth emphasized: “At this moment, which not only connects our two countries but also our continents, something new begins. It’s a good day when someone long gone returns to the place where they belong. It is a day of joy for us too.”

 These objects date back to the royal palace of Benin Kingdom in 1897.

Referee: 22 Benin Bronzes Handed-over by Germany to Nigeria in Abuja – National Commission for Museums and Monuments