Some of the bronzes looted from the Benin Empire by British Soldiers over 100 years will be returned to Nigeria, but with certain terms and conditions, CNN is reporting.

According to report, the Benin Dialogue Group (BDG), which comprises of representatives of several European museums, the Royal Court of Benin, Edo State Government, and Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments, struck a deal in October to have “some of the most iconic pieces” return to Nigeria for an exhibition at the new Benin Royal Museum in Edo State within three years.

The return of the artifacts is contingent on the completion of the Royal Museum of Benin, whose designs, according to spokesperson to Governor Godwin Obaseki, Crusoe Osagie, are being finalised.

“We are grateful these steps are being taken but we hope they are only the first steps. If you have stolen property, you have to give it back,” Osagie said.

Osagie also called for more pressure on European governments to return looted artifacts from the colonial era.

A spokesperson for the British Museum,  said: “The key agenda item (at the October meeting) was how partners can work together to establish a museum in Benin City with a rotation of Benin works of art from a consortium of European museums.

The museums in attendance have all agreed to lend artifacts to the Benin Royal Museum on a rotating basis, to provide advice as requested on building and exhibition design, and to cooperate with the Nigerian partners in developing training, funding, and a legal framework for the display in a new planned museum.