African news. Nigerian Benin Bronzes. The minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, confirmed that Nigeria had signed an agreement for the repatriation of 1,130 Benin Bronzes from Berlin, Germany.
During an inauguration of the Art Hotel in Lagos it was stated that the bronzes were looted from the ancient city of Berlin in 1897, 125 years ago.
He assured Nigerians of the federal government’s commitment toward recovering the nation’s priceless works of art. She added that the Nigerian Federal government was committed towards recovering the priceless works of art which were looted from our country.
“Our efforts in this regard 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,” wrote All Africa quoting the minister of information and Culture.
READ MORE: Germany signs deal to return stolen Benin Bronzes to Nigeria
This number represents the single largest repatriation of looted works of art anywhere in the world.
Germany hopes that the return of the Benin Bronzes to Nigerian will help to stimulate domestic tourism in the country.
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Nigeria’s looted Benin bronzes to be returned home from Germany