After more than 20 years without significant renovations, the National Museum Lagos was inaugurated by the Federal Government, signifying a significant makeover.
It is anticipated that the project, carried out in collaboration with IHS Towers, would act as a template for the revitalization of museums throughout the nation.
Upgraded exhibition areas, such as the “Echoes of the Past” gallery, are part of the refurbished building. Future development phases are anticipated to concentrate on growth, conservation, and better visitor amenities.
According to Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, the rehabilitation shows a fresh dedication to protecting Nigeria’s cultural legacy.
“We talk about Nigeria having all this beautiful content, culture, and creativity, but it has not been properly captured in the past because we’ve not been able to maintain it in a way that does justice to that culture and our history,” she remarked. “I am absolutely overjoyed with what has been done here at the National Museum,” she continued.
“The upgraded facility now offers a framework that can be replicated nationally,” she said.
“I believe what we have accomplished with this rehabilitation is something that we can replicate all over the country,” Musawa continued.
He declared, “This is something that we can really maintain, not just echoes of the past, but also for the benefit of the present and future.”
The minister emphasized the value of public-private collaborations in maintaining cultural infrastructure, characterizing IHS as “very instrumental” in the museum’s physical renovation and digitization initiatives.
Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), stated that the renovations address years of deterioration and reposition the museum as a useful cultural and educational hub.
He added, “The museum hasn’t had any significant renovations for the past 20 years, which means that it wasn’t a desirable place to come and learn anything.”
Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer of IHS Nigeria Dapo Otunlas stated that the relationship coincides with the company’s sustainability mission.
He stated, “This is just one of our many sustainability projects. Sustainability is a watchword.”
Otunla mentioned that the repair involved digitization of artifacts, better power infrastructure, and structural enhancements.
He added that technology now makes it possible to connect virtually with collections. “We started off digitizing about 200 artifacts, and the intention is to continue growing that number,” he stated.
“You can’t put money on what’s been done here,” he added, adding that the project’s influence goes beyond monetary gains. It extends beyond that.
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