Turkey invites FG to claim 76 artefacts

The Republic of Türkiye has invited the Federal Government to formally establish ownership and claim 76 wooden and metal artefacts believed to be of Nigerian origin, as part of ongoing efforts to repatriate cultural properties and strengthen bilateral ties between both countries.

The development was disclosed by the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, in Abuja.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the minister’s media aide, Nneka Anibeze, the artefacts were identified by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism following information received in May 2025.

Poroy said discussions on their return would commence once the Nigerian government officially establishes ownership and submits a formal claim.

“Our Minister of Culture and Tourism has identified 76 wooden and metal objects that they think might belong to Nigeria. We received information about these artefacts last May and we are eager to see them returned to Nigeria,” the ambassador said.

He added that Türkiye hopes to sign a cultural cooperation agreement with Nigeria during the anticipated visit of President Bola Tinubu to Turkey, describing the move as part of broader efforts to deepen cultural understanding and cooperation between both nations.

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The ambassador also revealed plans to establish a Turkish cultural centre in Nigeria to promote traditional arts and empower young Nigerian women through education and cultural exchange.

He further invited Nigerian officials to upcoming cultural events, including a photo exhibition and a Turkish coffee chat.

Responding, Musawa welcomed the development and stressed the need to fast-track the proposed cultural cooperation agreement, describing it as a significant opportunity to strengthen cultural diplomacy and expand collaboration within the creative economy.

“This is a golden opportunity for both countries to strengthen cultural diplomacy. Nigeria is the gateway to talking to the Black global community, purely because of our numbers and strength of expression,” the minister said.

She also expressed Nigeria’s interest in partnering with Türkiye in the film industry, cultural exchanges and women empowerment initiatives, particularly in the fashion sector.

Musawa noted that such collaboration could enhance Nigeria’s role in global cultural dialogue, especially within the Global South, while also driving economic growth.

Nigeria has in recent years intensified efforts to recover cultural artefacts taken out of the country during the colonial era and through illicit trafficking, as part of a broader strategy to preserve national heritage and strengthen cultural diplomacy.

Within this context, Türkiye’s identification of 76 wooden and metal artefacts believed to be of Nigerian origin represents a significant step toward restitution and deeper bilateral cultural cooperation.