Turkey has identified 76 wooden and metal artifacts believed to belong to Nigeria, paving the way for their repatriation and potentially strengthening cultural ties between the two nations. The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, in Abuja.
The artifacts were identified after Turkey received information about them in May 2025. Discussions for their return will commence once the Nigerian government officially identifies and claims ownership of the objects. Ambassador Poroy expressed hope that a cultural cooperation agreement between Turkey and Nigeria could be signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s upcoming visit to Turkey.
Minister Musawa welcomed the development, highlighting Nigeria’s interest in collaborating with Turkey on film production, cultural exchanges, and women empowerment initiatives in fashion and the creative economy. She emphasized that this is a golden opportunity for both countries to strengthen cultural diplomacy, with Nigeria serving as a gateway to engaging the Black global communities.
The identification of the artifacts underscores the commitment of both countries to cultural diplomacy, heritage preservation, and expanded collaboration across the creative sector. Plans are also underway to establish a Turkish cultural centre in Nigeria to promote traditional arts and support the education of young Nigerian women.
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