Nigeria, Feb. 19 -- The Netherlands will return 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, marking a significant step in the global movement to restore looted artefacts.

According to a statement issued by the Dutch embassy in Nigeria, the transfer agreement was signed on Tuesday by the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, Eppo Bruins, and the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway.

"The artefacts are expected to arrive in Nigeria later this year, " the statement read.

Of the 119 objects to be returned, 113 were part of the Dutch State Collection, while the Municipality of Rotterdam held six.

According to the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, returning the artef...