Museums Key To National Unity, Tourism Growth As Nigeria Marks International Museums Day
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
As Nigeria grapples with insecurity, social divisions and the need to diversify its economy, stakeholders have identified museums as strategic institutions capable of strengthening national unity, preserving cultural identity and driving tourism-led economic growth.
That message resonated throughout the 2026 International Museums Day celebration, where the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo, and Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Olayiwola Awakan, called for renewed investment in the nation’s museums.
Delivering his welcome address, Holloway said museums have a responsibility that extends beyond preserving artefacts, describing them as institutions that help build a united society.
According to him, museums promote unity by reminding Nigerians of their shared humanity, creating spaces for honest conversations about the nation’s history and encouraging critical thinking among citizens, particularly young people.
He noted that despite Nigeria’s ethnic and cultural diversity, every citizen shares common experiences and aspirations, stressing that museums should serve as platforms that celebrate those shared values rather than the differences that divide the country.
Holloway said museums also provide opportunities for societies to confront difficult aspects of their history, learn from them and build stronger institutions for the future.
Speaking at the event, Senator Onawo described museums as powerful instruments for nation-building, saying they preserve the country’s collective memory while promoting peace, education and national identity.
He said Nigeria’s cultural institutions are central to fostering patriotism and helping younger generations understand the sacrifices that shaped the nation.
Onawo urged greater support for the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, noting that investment in heritage preservation would strengthen national cohesion and create economic opportunities through tourism.
Also speaking, NTDA Director-General Olayiwola Awakan said museums occupy a central place in Nigeria’s tourism development agenda under the NTDA Act 2022.
He described cultural and heritage tourism as one of the fastest-growing segments of global tourism and urged stakeholders to reposition museums as dynamic centres of education, innovation, investment and community engagement.
Awakan outlined the authority’s priorities, including developing heritage tourism assets, introducing smart digital museums, establishing museum destination experience centres, strengthening heritage education, promoting community-based tourism enterprises and launching a national museum tourism marketing campaign.
He also congratulated the NCMM on the opening of the Echoes of the Past Museum in Lagos, describing it as a landmark that would enrich visitors’ cultural experience.
The speakers agreed that preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage is not only essential for protecting the nation’s identity but also for unlocking tourism opportunities capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and contributing to economic diversification.
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