The Republic of Türkiye has formally invited the Federal Government of Nigeria to establish ownership and claim 76 wooden and metal artefacts believed to be of Nigerian origin, a development that marks a significant step in ongoing international efforts to repatriate cultural properties and strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries. The announcement was made 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 Ambassador Poroy, the artefacts were identified by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism following information received in May 2025, and discussions regarding their return will begin once Nigeria formally establishes ownership and submits an official claim. The ambassador described the initiative as part of a broader commitment to enhance cultural diplomacy and deepen mutual understanding between Nigeria and Türkiye, signalling a renewed emphasis on the preservation and restitution of heritage items displaced through historical and illicit means.
During his visit, Ambassador Poroy highlighted Türkiye’s plans to formalize a cultural cooperation agreement with Nigeria, envisaged to coincide with the anticipated visit of President Bola Tinubu to Türkiye. He noted that such an agreement would serve as a framework for ongoing collaboration in areas spanning traditional arts, cultural exchange, and educational initiatives, with particular focus on empowering young Nigerian women. As part of these efforts, the ambassador revealed plans to establish a Turkish cultural centre in Nigeria, designed to promote Turkish arts while fostering cross-cultural learning and exchange. In addition, Poroy extended invitations to Nigerian officials to attend upcoming cultural events in Türkiye, including a photo exhibition and a traditional Turkish coffee gathering, emphasising the role of these activities in strengthening ties and promoting mutual appreciation of heritage and creative expression.
Minister Hannatu Musawa welcomed the initiative, stressing the importance of fast-tracking the proposed cultural cooperation agreement and recognising the repatriation of artefacts as a key milestone in Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy agenda. She described the development as “a golden opportunity for both countries to strengthen cultural diplomacy,” noting Nigeria’s unique position as a gateway to the Black global community, given the country’s population, cultural influence, and strength of artistic expression. Musawa further outlined Nigeria’s interest in partnering with Türkiye in the film industry, cultural exchange programmes, and women empowerment initiatives, particularly within the fashion sector. She stressed that such collaborations could enhance Nigeria’s role in global cultural dialogues, particularly within the Global South, while also fostering economic growth and creative industry development, positioning cultural restitution not merely as an act of heritage preservation, but as a strategic tool for broader bilateral engagement.
The identification of these 76 artefacts represents a continuation of Nigeria’s longstanding efforts to recover cultural items removed during the colonial era or through illicit trafficking networks, a process which has gained renewed focus in recent years. Nigerian authorities have intensified initiatives to trace, claim, and repatriate heritage items held abroad, reflecting a broader strategy aimed at safeguarding the nation’s historical, artistic, and spiritual patrimony. Previous successful recoveries of artefacts have demonstrated the importance of diplomatic engagement, formal legal processes, and collaboration with international partners, providing a model for future restitution efforts. In this context, Türkiye’s proactive identification of potentially Nigerian-origin artefacts underscores the growing recognition of cultural heritage as both a national and global concern, with shared responsibilities in preservation and restitution.
Ambassador Poroy also highlighted the broader implications of cultural restitution for bilateral relations, framing the initiative as an opportunity to deepen mutual trust and cooperation. By engaging in dialogue over artefacts and establishing institutional mechanisms such as cultural centres and formal agreements, Türkiye and Nigeria aim to foster long-term partnerships that extend beyond heritage issues to encompass educational exchange, tourism, and the creative economy. These efforts align with global trends in cultural diplomacy, where restitution of artefacts is increasingly linked with broader agendas of international collaboration, soft power projection, and cross-cultural understanding. For Nigeria, the repatriation of artefacts is not only about reclaiming objects, but also about asserting cultural identity and agency on the international stage.
From the Nigerian perspective, Minister Musawa emphasised that formalizing ownership of these artefacts is critical for enabling their safe and meaningful return, ensuring that they can be incorporated into national museums, cultural institutions, and educational programmes. She noted that such returns have the potential to inspire local artists, historians, and students, fostering a renewed appreciation for Nigeria’s artistic and historical legacy. Musawa’s statements also underscored the importance of integrating repatriated artefacts into initiatives that support creative industries, highlighting how heritage preservation and economic development can be mutually reinforcing. By linking cultural restitution with initiatives such as film, fashion, and educational programming, Nigeria aims to leverage its heritage as a driver of both national identity and sustainable development.
On the Turkish side, Ambassador Poroy reiterated that the initiative reflects Türkiye’s broader cultural diplomacy objectives, seeking to strengthen bilateral cooperation while showcasing its own cultural values and expertise. By proactively inviting Nigeria to establish formal claims, Türkiye is facilitating a structured and mutually respectful approach to repatriation, reinforcing the principles of transparency, legal clarity, and international cooperation. The ambassador’s remarks on establishing a cultural centre and inviting Nigerian officials to cultural events further highlight Türkiye’s commitment to long-term engagement, positioning cultural exchange as a complementary dimension of diplomatic relations that extends beyond the immediate issue of artefact restitution.