Recommendation 4

HM Government Acknowledged

We agree with this recommendation. The Government recognises the significance of the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria – these are magnificent works of art and an important part of Nigeria’s cultural heritage. The FCDO’s Diplomatic Academy, working in conjunction with our Research Analysts and FCDO Historians, have run a series of staff trainings in 2021 and 2022 to enhance understanding of the UK colonial legacy within the FCDO, both at Headquarters and across our overseas network. Museums and galleries in the UK operate independently of Government and decisions relating to museums’ collections are taken by the trustees of each institution. Many of these institutions are already in active and healthy dialogue with the Nigerian authorities. The Benin Dialogue Group has been ongoing since 2007, and the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) has been in talks with a number of UK museums. The FCDO and the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) are supportive of these dialogues, and the British High Commission in Abuja (BHC Abuja) has discussed progress with the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and leaders in both Edo State and Benin City. The British Museum is working with Nigerian and other international partners to establish new museums in Benin City, to facilitate permanent displays of objects from the Kingdom of Benin. These would include significant collections of works currently in UK and European museums, as well as historic and contemporary works from across West Africa. The Museum is working in partnership with the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA) Trust and other stakeholders in Nigeria, including NCMM, to deliver a major new collaborative archaeology project on the history of the Kingdom of Benin, including remains buried below the proposed site of the new Cultural District. A number of other institutions, including Bristol City Museum, Manchester Museum, the Royal Pavilion & Museums Trust (RPMT), Glasgow Local Authority Museums and the Church of England have also indicated that they are open to discussions about the future of Nigerian artefacts they hold and we will continue to support this.