Protecting Cultural Property in Nigeria: FG Requests U.S State Department’s Partnership

The federal government of Nigeria recently sent an official request to the United States government requesting for cultural property protection, Per Second News gathered Saturday in Washington.

Nigeria’s request seeks US import restrictions on archaeological and ethnological material representing Nigeria’s cultural patrimony, Per Second News gathered from the State Department.

Officials confirmed receipt of request from the government of Nigeria for cultural property protection under Article 9 of the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.

Cultural property agreements are tools for preventing illicit activity. In some countries, it is unlawful to excavate, remove, or export cultural objects without a permit. Once a bilateral agreement is in place and corresponding import restrictions have been imposed, importation of designated objects into the United States is prohibited except under limited circumstances, the office of the Assistant Secretary of State for Education and Cultural Affairs said.

“The goal of such an agreement is to protect cultural heritage by reducing the incentive for further pillage of archaeological and ethnological material.”

U.S. efforts to protect and preserve cultural heritage through cultural property agreements promote stability, economic development, and good governance in other countries, while denying critical financing to terrorist organizations and other criminal networks that engage in illicit trade.