The Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mr Olugbile Holloway, on Tuesday urged the National Assembly (NASS) to ensure improved funding for the culture and creative sector.
Holloway made the call at an event organised by the Commission to celebrate the 2025 International Museum Day (IMD) at the Chinese Cultural Centre on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said this would enable the sector contribute more to national economic growth.
In his words, “as Nigeria seeks to diversify its revenue mainstay from oil, the culture and creative sector presents itself as a veritable option, if adequate attention was given to it.”
He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saw the sector as a viable source to significantly grow the economy and cause a paradigm shift from dependence on oil, and gave it a stand-alone ministry.
The NCMM DG, however, noted that adequate funding was needed to reposition the sector and harness the vast opportunities it offers for job creation, tourism growth and increased contribution to GDP.
He therefore urged the NASS, especially its committees on the sector, to prioritise its funding to boost the sector’s expansion for job creation and economic growth.
The NCMM boss added that the commission was presently working towards revamping museums across the country.
He however added that because of the huge funding required for the projects, the commission was seeking public-private partnerships for the projects.
“The sector has vast opportunities to turn-around our economy, and our Museums as critical cultural assets need adequate funding.
“At the NCMM, we have competent officers and workforce who only needed to be given the necessary support.
“I am using this opportunity to appeal to the National Assembly to pay more attention to this sector and allocate more funds.
“For the museum and heritage sector to thrive and remain relevant in today’s dynamic environment there must be significant investment.
“In line with the theme of the day, the commission is embracing technology and new media as strategic tools for cultural promotion”, he said.
According to him, the nation has rich cultural and historic heritages, as well as artifacts which need to be showcased to the world to make Nigeria a choice tourist destination.
He said that museum space is a very good opportunity to boost tourism by showcasing Nigeria’s cultural heritage because people all over the world are very interested in Nigerian culture.
The DG said the commission was utilising digital platforms to showcase collections of heritage stories, including the creative use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on public billboards across major Nigerian cities, particularly in Lagos.
Chairman of the occasion, Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo, had in his opening remarks, emphasized the importance of preserving Nigeria’s cultural identity amidst global changes. He lauded the Commission’s efforts in promoting heritage conservation despite limited resources.
The keynote address was delivered by the Honorable Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq., who underscored the need to future-proof Nigerian museums by embracing innovation, digital technology, and community partnerships.
Represented at the event by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Muktar Yawalle, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to repositioning the cultural sector for economic growth and national pride.
Delivering a special remark, Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock, Chairman of the House Committee on Culture and Tourism, pledged the House of Representatives’ support to ensure better budgetary allocation to the cultural sector. “Nigeria must promote its rich heritage in all facets, and that begins with prioritizing institutions like museums,” he stated.
Cultural Ambassador of the Chinese Embassy, Yang Yangzi, delivered a goodwill message, applauding Nigeria’s strides in cultural preservation and expressing China’s interest in continued bilateral cultural exchange.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributions to cultural development and heritage preservation.
Awardees included:His Excellency Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Executive Governor of Cross River State; His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State; Senator Dr. Prince Ned Nwoko, Senator representing Delta State; General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Defence Staff; and Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare, renowned theatre scholar and cultural advocate.
The 2025 International Museum Day held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja was with the theme: “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.”
The celebration brought together policymakers, cultural stakeholders, and foreign diplomats to reflect on the role of museums in a fast-evolving world.
