The Artifacts Rescuers Association of Nigeria (ARAN) has described its long outstanding payment from the federal government which amounted to N1.5 billion as a betrayal of trust and neglect.

At a press conference in Abuja to mark the  World Museum Day yesterday, the association of accredited vendors to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, with the responsibility and primary assignment to rescue Nigeria’s artifacts from illicit dealers and smugglers, sought President Bola Tinubu’s intervention on the debt.

According to ARAN, the federal government has failed to settle its long outstanding debts amounting to N1.5 billion, leaving the rescuers in a precarious financial situation.

“This neglect has jeopardised the association’s operations, raising questions about Government’s commitment to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage,” the group said.

Former president of the association, George Agbo who spoke at the press conference described the situation as a case of “Forgotten Ambassadors, a Tale of Neglect and Betrayal,’ saying that the “Government has blatantly, disregarded their plight.

“The association, instrumental in rescuing and preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage, is owed for over 3,000 artifacts, rescued and returned to the government, since 2010,” he said, expressing disappointment and concern over the government’s inaction.