By Peter Omopo
Abuja, July 1, 2025 — The Nigerian Senate on Monday hosted a diplomatic summit with African envoys in Abuja, intensifying calls for the return of looted artefacts and reparations for the continent’s colonial past.
The high-level engagement, held at the National Assembly, was convened by the Senate Committee on Reparation and Repatriation, chaired by Senator Ned Nwoko. The forum brought together lawmakers and representatives from several African nations to strategise on reclaiming stolen cultural heritage and addressing the lingering impact of colonisation.
In his opening remarks, Senator Nwoko highlighted the moral and historical urgency of the cause, calling on African nations to unite in demanding justice for centuries of exploitation and cultural theft.
“The trauma of colonisation still lives in our systems, our economies, and our fragmented identities. We must reclaim not just our artefacts but our dignity and collective future,” Nwoko said.
Representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Mongunu reinforced the significance of the discussions, stating that reparation and repatriation have become central to global justice efforts.
“Africa must seize the momentum,” Mongunu declared, urging the continent to act decisively in securing redress.
The session follows renewed global attention on the restitution of looted African artefacts held in museums and private collections in Europe and North America. Dozens of stolen pieces from Nigeria, Benin, Ethiopia, and other African nations remain subjects of repatriation campaigns.
The Senate committee is expected to submit recommendations on policy frameworks and international collaborations aimed at accelerating the return of looted treasures and advocating for economic reparations for colonial-era atrocities.
