ABSTRACT
There has been constant rancour surrounding ownership and possessory rights between source nations including Nigeria on one side and, on the other side, institutions, even government bodies in nations mostly of the West over looted artefacts. The looting of artefacts from such source nations to enrich the museums of Western nations and private collections which commenced during the pre-colonial period subsists till date. The international conventions made to curb this have not been effective. Litigations in foreign law courts to repossess these artefacts will prove too costly for most source nations many of which are African nations.
Nigeria has been very ardent in seeking for repatriation of its looted artefacts and, in recent time, Nigeria has been recording success in its efforts. This research suggests opportunity of sustainable, mutually beneficial deployment of Nigerian artefacts in manners that will confer pecuniary rewards on Nigeria through leasing and exhibitions.
The research expounds the possibility of shared rights in returned artefacts whereby Nigeria receives legal transfer of the artefacts but shares physical possession with others. This is in light of the argument that African nations do not have adequate facilities to house the deluge of artefacts that may soon arrive if the return efforts of Nigeria are sustained and influence other source nations.
