Turkey Identifies 76 Nigerian Artifacts, Opens Talks on Possible Return

Turkey has identified 76 wooden and metal cultural objects believed to originate from Nigeria, a development that has triggered formal engagements that could lead to their eventual repatriation and deeper cultural cooperation between both countries.

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

According to the ambassador, the artifacts were traced by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism following information received in May 2025. He explained that while the objects have been identified as likely Nigerian heritage items, official processes toward their return would begin once Nigeria formally establishes ownership and submits a claim.

Poroy noted that Ankara is willing to work closely with Nigerian authorities to ensure due process is followed, adding that the development reflects Turkey’s commitment to ethical cultural practices and heritage preservation.

Beyond the artifacts, the ambassador revealed ongoing plans to strengthen cultural ties between both nations. He said discussions were underway for a bilateral cultural cooperation agreement, which could be finalised during a proposed visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Turkey.

He also announced Turkey’s intention to establish a cultural centre in Nigeria, designed to promote traditional arts, cultural education and skills development, with particular focus on youth and women. Nigerian officials were further invited to participate in upcoming Turkish cultural programmes, including a photo exhibition and a cultural dialogue centred on Turkish coffee heritage.

Responding, Minister Musawa described the identification of the artifacts as a significant milestone and urged both countries to accelerate work on the proposed cultural agreement. She expressed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with Turkey across film production, cultural exchanges, fashion and women-focused creative initiatives.

The minister emphasised Nigeria’s strategic cultural influence globally, noting that stronger partnerships could position both countries as key players in advancing cultural diplomacy within the Global South. She added that such collaboration would also unlock economic opportunities through tourism and the creative industries.

The ongoing engagement marks a renewed push by Nigeria and Turkey to strengthen heritage restitution efforts, promote cultural diplomacy and expand cooperation across the creative and tourism sectors.