Ministry of Art, Culture Launches Major Revamp of Nigeria’s Museums

The Nigerian Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy has unveiled a transformative initiative to renovate and rejuvenate six national museums throughout the country.

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These include the National Museums in Ilorin, Birnin Kebbi, Uyo, and Owerri, as well as the Gidan Makama Museum in Kano State and the Zazzau Emirate Museum in Kaduna State.

The initiative, carried out in partnership with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, seeks to safeguard Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and enhance public access to its historical treasures.

Scheduled to commence in October 2024, the refurbishment program will prioritize infrastructure improvements, upgraded security systems, and enhanced exhibit spaces.

By integrating modern technologies and sustainable practices, the initiative aims to establish interactive and educational spaces that honor Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage.

Hannatu Musawa, the Nigerian Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, stated in New York that this significant project highlights the Ministry’s dedication to preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and improving public access to the nation’s historical treasures.

She said “Our museums are custodians of Nigeria’s culture and history. This refurbishment project will not only preserve our heritage for future generations but also promote cultural tourism and education in Nigeria.

We are committed to making our museums more accessible, engaging, and reflective of our rich artistic tradition in line with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and our Ministry’s 8-Point Plan”. She added

The project will involve local artisans, historians, and curators to ensure that the upgraded monuments accurately reflect cultural representation and historical authenticity. This initiative is anticipated to generate many job opportunities in the cultural sector, bolstering local economies and promoting a nationwide appreciation for the arts.

In his remarks, Olugbile Holloway, the Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, stated that the renovation aims to enhance the storytelling capabilities of our museums and monuments.

He said “The renovation of our museums is a long overdue exercise and the NCMM appreciates the Ministry’s strong support for this initiative. The NCMM intends not to only focus on infrastructure upgrades, but also better curation and better storytelling in our museums.

The guest and user experience will also be revamped, and it is our hope that when people step into the new spaces, they are moved by what they see and they leave with much more knowledge about our rich cultural heritage.”

The Ministry invites all stakeholders, including cultural organizations, educational institutions, and the general public to join hands in supporting the transformative

project. Further details and updates about the progress of the facelift will be regularly provided through official Ministry channels.

This initiative marks a crucial advancement in protecting and improving Nigeria’s museums for future generations, honoring the country’s history while fostering creativity and innovation for the future.

Oluchi Okwuego