Reps call for accountability, adequate distribution of returned artefacts

The House of Representatives has moved a motion for the need for accountability and adequate distribution of stolen artefacts returned to Nigeria by foreign countries.

This was sequel to a Motion for Urgent National Importance on the Need for Accountability and Appropriate Distribution of Looted artefacts Returned to Nigeria from Europe and other parts of the World, moved by Hassan Abdullahi.

“The House notes that over the years various artefacts belonging to Nigeria, especially the ones from the Oba of Benin have been returned and there was the need for even distribution to states.”

He also said that it was also on record that Germany has repatriated some and would not be fair that the artefacts ate not returned to their original places of origin.

“It is also on record that in July this year, Germany returned two of the priceless artefacts to Nigeria and has in the last two days returned over twenty more pieces of the valuable artefacts.“

Abdullahi said that having accused foreign nations of keeping the artefacts, Nigeria should not be seen doing the same.

He, therefore, advised the federal government to take inventory of returned and yet-to-be-returned artefacts belonging to the country.

The motion was referred to the Committee on Culture and Tourism, to liaise with the Ministry of Information.

READ ALSO: Germany Officially Repatriats 22 Looted Artefacts to Nigeria 

It would be recalled that last Tuesday, December 20, 2022 the Nigerian government received 22 repatriated cultural artefacts from the German government

The repatriated Benin Bronzes were handed over by a delegation from Germany led by the Federal Foreign Minister of Germany, Frau Annalena Baerbock alongside her Cultural counterpart Claudia Roth.

PIAK