The Republic of Türkiye has formally invited the Federal Government to assert ownership and claim 76 wooden and metal artefacts believed to have originated from Nigeria, signalling a renewed push for cultural restitution and stronger bilateral ties.
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. Ambassador Poroy emphasised that discussions on their repatriation would begin once Nigeria formally establishes ownership and submits a claim.
“Our Minister of Culture and Tourism has identified 76 wooden and metal objects that they believe might belong to Nigeria. We received this information last May, and we are eager to see them returned to Nigeria,” Poroy said.
The ambassador also disclosed plans to establish a Turkish cultural centre in Nigeria aimed at promoting traditional arts, enhancing cultural exchange, and empowering young Nigerian women through education. He added that Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu is expected to visit Türkiye, during which a cultural cooperation agreement could be signed to deepen ties between the two countries.
Minister Musawa welcomed the initiative, describing it as a strategic opportunity to expand cultural diplomacy and collaboration within the creative economy. She expressed particular interest in partnerships in the film industry, fashion, and women empowerment initiatives.
“This is a golden opportunity for both countries to strengthen cultural diplomacy. Nigeria is the gateway to engaging the global Black community because of our numbers and the strength of our cultural expression,” she said.
The minister further highlighted that such cooperation could bolster Nigeria’s influence in global cultural dialogue, particularly within the Global South, while also contributing to economic growth.
In recent years, Nigeria has intensified efforts to recover artefacts removed during the colonial period or through illicit trade, reflecting a broader commitment to preserving national heritage.
