The House of Representatives has resolved to constitute an Ad-hoc committee to ascertain the current status of stolen Nigerian artefacts.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion “Call for Investigation to Ascertain the Status of Returned Artefacts in Nigeria”, sponsored by a member, Ibrahim Isiaka at the plenary.
Leading the debate, Mr Isiaka observed that after several years, most countries are gradually returning artefacts and artworks looted from Nigeria during the colonial era, which has been on display in museums across the world.
He recalled the role of the National Assembly through a motion in 2016, calling for an investigation of Nigeria’s lost artefacts for which an ad-hoc committee was constituted to ensure the return of those artefacts.
The lawmaker expressed the belief that with the gradual return of the masterpieces, there was a need to acknowledge the role played by the House of Representatives on the historical outcome of their efforts.
The committee is to be given 12 weeks to report back for further legislative action.
RN