The Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, (NCMM), Mr Olugbile Holloway, has emphasized the importance of preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage in the face of increasing threats from disasters and conflicts.
Speaking on the occasion of the 2025 International Day of Monuments and Sites, Holloway highlighted the need for collective action to protect the country’s 65 national declared monuments and 112 national proposed monuments
He identified key challenges to include:
Climate Change and Environmental Degradation: Natural disasters such as flooding, wind storms, and droughts pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Social Disturbances: Kidnappings, banditry, armed robbery, and political uncertainties create an atmosphere of insecurity that endangers cultural assets.
Declining Interest: The younger generation’s declining interest in historic resources and cultural heritage is a major concern.
NCMM’s Initiatives
State of Conservation Project: The Commission is collaborating with international scholars and organizations to identify vulnerabilities and develop conservation strategies for selected monuments.
Community Engagement: NCMM seeks to rekindle the interests of the younger generation in cultural heritage by involving them as critical stakeholders in conservation processes.
Awareness and Collaboration: The Commission calls on all stakeholders to share their experiences and collaborate in raising awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Call to Action
As Nigeria celebrates the International Day of Monuments and Sites, the NCMM led by the Director-General of NCMM, Olugbile Holloway, urges all stakeholders to work together to strengthen the resilience of the country’s cultural assets and ensure their preservation for future generations.
