This was made known in a statement released by his Special Adviser, Segun Adeyemi.

in the statement, Lai Mohammed praised the Artifacts Rescuers Association of Nigeria for their important role and efforts to preserve Nigeria's culture and heritage.

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He also assured them of his ministry's support and partnership in their quest to retrieve stolen and illegally obtained artefacts.

The minister said that theft and trafficking of artifacts is the bane of the Nigeria's efforts to capitalise on her historical heritage and promoted tourism.

He said: "We recognise that we need you to achieve our own mandate and aspirations and, at the same time, you also need us as the repository of the cultural heritage of the country. One of the major challenges we face is the illegal exportation, trafficking of our cultural heritage in form of artefacts. Therefore, when you have an organisation like yours that voluntarily charges itself with the responsibility of ensuring that such artefacts are retrieved and returned, I think you deserve nothing but encouragement and praise for your nationalism and patriotism."

George Agbo, president of the association also praised Lai Mohammed for his dedicated efforts to re branding the tourism sector in Nigeria.

According to him, the Artifacts Rescuers Association of Nigeria was registered in 2001 and has 321 members across Nigeria.