Biafra Group Asks Washington To Reject Nigeria Cultural Agreement Renewal
US Hearing Becomes Platform for BRGIE’s Diplomatic Appeal
THE Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) has called on the United States government to decline Nigeria’s request for the renewal of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cultural property, arguing that allegations of persecution against Christians and pro-Biafra groups should be considered before any extension of the agreement.
The appeal was made by the Prime Minister of the BRGIE, Ogechukwu Nkere, during testimony presented before the United States Department of State’s Cultural Property Advisory Committee (CPAC) on 14 July 2026, according to a statement issued by the organisation.
The committee was reviewing Nigeria’s request for an extension of an existing cultural property agreement, including continued US import restrictions on designated Nigerian archaeological and ethnological materials.
Allegations Form Basis of Appeal
According to the BRGIE, Nkere argued that Washington should evaluate Nigeria’s human rights record before renewing the cultural property agreement.
The organisation alleged that members of pro-Biafra movements and sections of Nigeria’s Christian population continue to face persecution, maintaining that such concerns should influence US policy decisions regarding bilateral cultural cooperation.
In his submission, Nkere reportedly urged the US government to suspend the agreement until, according to him, Nigeria addresses those concerns.
He was quoted as saying that participation in such agreements should be viewed as a privilege rather than an automatic entitlement.
Reference to US Assessments
The BRGIE also stated that its presentation referenced previous US government assessments concerning religious freedom in Nigeria, arguing that those findings should be considered alongside the country’s request for the renewal of the agreement.
The organisation maintained that broader foreign policy considerations should be reflected in decisions concerning cultural cooperation.
Claim of Historic Participation
The BRGIE described Nkere’s appearance before the advisory committee as unprecedented, claiming it marked the first time a representative of the self-declared Biafran government had participated in proceedings of the Cultural Property Advisory Committee or addressed a US State Department hearing.
That claim has not been independently verified.
Role of the Advisory Committee
The Cultural Property Advisory Committee advises the US government on requests made under international cultural property agreements and reviews matters relating to import restrictions on archaeological and ethnological materials.
Its recommendations are considered as part of the US government’s decision-making process regarding bilateral cultural property arrangements.
