Turkey Identifies 76 Artefacts Believed to Belong to Nigeria
Turkey has identified 76 wooden and metal artefacts believed to belong to Nigeria, raising prospects for their return to the country.
The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
According to Poroy, Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism identified the artefacts after receiving information about them in May 2025, adding that Turkish authorities are eager to see them returned to Nigeria.
He also revealed that President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to visit Turkey next week on a state visit, during which both countries hope to sign a cultural cooperation agreement. Ahead of the visit, the president appointed Dakingari Suleiman, former governor of Kebbi State, as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Turkey.
Poroy further disclosed plans to establish a Turkish cultural centre in Nigeria to promote traditional arts and support the education of young Nigerian women.
In her response, Minister Musawa emphasised the need to fast-track the cultural cooperation agreement, noting Nigeria’s interest in collaborating with Turkey on film projects, cultural exchanges, and women empowerment in fashion.
She highlighted the potential of a Turkey–Nigeria partnership to deepen cultural diplomacy and drive economic growth, describing Nigeria as a strategic gateway to engaging the global Black community due to its population and cultural influence.
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