Turkey Invites Nigeria To Claim 76 Suspected Nigerian Artefacts
The Republic of Türkiye has invited the Federal Government of Nigeria to formally establish ownership and claim 76 wooden and metal artefacts believed to be of Nigerian origin, in a move aimed at advancing cultural restitution and strengthening bilateral relations 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, the artefacts were identified by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism following information received in May 2025.
Poroy said discussions on the return of the artefacts would begin 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 are believed to 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 initiative as part of broader efforts to deepen cultural understanding and cooperation.
The ambassador also revealed plans to establish a Turkish cultural centre in Nigeria to promote traditional arts, cultural exchange and educational programmes, with a particular focus on empowering young Nigerian women.
He further invited Nigerian officials to forthcoming cultural engagements, including a photo exhibition and a Turkish coffee cultural exchange.
Responding, Musawa welcomed the development and called for the fast-tracking of 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 engaging the Black global community, purely because of our population and strength of expression,” the minister said.
She expressed Nigeria’s interest in partnering with Türkiye in areas such as film production, cultural exchange programmes and women empowerment initiatives, particularly within the fashion and creative industries.
Musawa noted that such collaborations would enhance Nigeria’s influence in global cultural dialogue, especially within the Global South, while also driving economic growth and creative innovation.
Nigeria has in recent years intensified efforts to recover cultural artefacts removed from the country during the colonial era and through illicit trafficking, as part of a broader strategy to preserve national heritage and reinforce cultural diplomacy.
Within this context, Türkiye’s identification of 76 wooden and metal artefacts believed to be of Nigerian origin marks a significant step toward restitution and deeper bilateral cultural cooperation.