Manny Ita
The Republic of Turkey and the Federal Government of Nigeria have reached a significant milestone in cultural diplomacy following the identification of 76 wooden and metal artifacts belonging to Nigeria. Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, confirmed the development during a diplomatic visit to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, in Abuja on Thursday. Ambassador Poroy stated that while the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Turkey has flagged the items, formal discussions for their return are currently underway, noting that the repatriation process will commence once the Nigerian government officially submits a legal claim of ownership and verifies the pieces.
The identification of these objects followed a rigorous internal investigation by Turkish authorities that began in mid-2025. Minister Musawa described the pending return of the artifacts as a “golden opportunity” for both nations to leverage cultural diplomacy for mutual economic growth and historical justice. The Minister further emphasized that Nigeria serves as a “gateway to the global Black community,” highlighting the importance of reclaiming heritage items that represent the country’s diverse craftsmanship and history.
In addition to the heritage recovery, the two nations are set to formalize a Cultural Cooperation Agreement during an upcoming state visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Turkey later this year. This agreement includes the establishment of a Turkish cultural center in Nigeria, which will focus on promoting traditional arts and fostering vocational training. A primary pillar of this initiative will be a specialized educational program designed to support young Nigerian women in the creative arts and traditional craftsmanship.
Ambassador Poroy and Minister Musawa also discussed broader collaborations within the film and fashion industries, aiming to create a sustainable synergy between the two countries’ creative economies. The Ministry indicated that this partnership is part of a larger strategic effort to ensure that Nigeria’s cultural assets are not only returned but utilized as tools for international cooperation and national identity.
