Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to revamping museums nationwide to serve as modern repositories of Nigeria’s cultural and historical heritage.
She said this at an event held in Abuja on Thursday by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM to celebrate the 2026 International Museum Day (IMD).
The minister was represented by Ginika Nwafor-Orizu.
Musawa said the ministry was revamping museums through infrastructural rehabilitation, improved conservation practices, enhanced public access, and strategic partnership.
ALSO READ:Nigerian Government Endorses Arewa International Film Festival, Pledges Support
According to her, museums must preserve historical artifacts and offer accessible, interactive experiences to grow the creative economy.
She said Nigeria has rich cultural and historical heritage as well as artifacts that should be showcased to the world to position the country as a preferred tourist destination.
“As we continue to implement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we recognise culture and heritage as critical drivers of sustainable development, tourism growth, job creation, and economic growth.
“Therefore, stakeholders must continue to work together to ensure that our museums remain vibrant spaces for education, research, innovation, and dialogue for present and future generations,” she said.
Also speaking, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), urged Nigerians to value their heritage and unite against forces seeking to divide them.
Represented by Mr Musa Likita, Musa said true security is built on national shared values, cultural understanding, and a common sense of purpose.
“When citizens understand and appreciate their history and heritage, they become more resilient against forces that seek to divide them through extremism, misinformation, and hatred,” he said.
He commended NCMM and its leadership for championing initiatives that preserve Nigeria’s historical sites and cultural treasures.
Earlier in his welcome address, Mr Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of NCMM, said museums function as indispensable, physical anchors for both national and global conscience.
According to him, museum spaces present a strong opportunity to boost tourism by showcasing Nigeria’s cultural heritage, as people worldwide have a keen interest in Nigerian culture.
“If people thousands of years ago could create masterpieces, then perhaps those pieces can inspire the next generation of creators and the next generation of people,” he said.
Journalists reports that the annual International Museum Day is coordinated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
The day offers museum professionals an opportunity to engage with the public, highlight challenges facing museums, and raise awareness on the role museums play in societal development.
It also promotes dialogue between museum professionals and highlights a specific theme which changes every year, reflecting a relevant theme or issue facing museums internationally.
“This year’s theme is “Museums: Uniting a Divided World”.
The event featured cultural dance and drama presentations, as well as other side attractions.
