•Seal partnership on cultural revival

By Matthew Johnson

The Federal Government and IHS Nigeria have collaborated to renovate the National Museum in Lagos, marking a major step towards revitalising the country’s cultural heritage.

Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Mrs. Hannatu Musawa, who led the inauguration ceremony, described the project as a milestone and template for future collaborations across the country.

Musawa at the event underscored the importance of public private partnerships in fast tracking national development projects and called on Nigerians and the international community to visit the museum, expressing confidence that the renewed facility would boost tourism, education and cultural pride.

She said: “I am absolutely overjoyed with what has been done here,this rehabilitation provides a model we can replicate nationwide to preserve and showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

The commissioning marks the completion of the first phase of a comprehensive upgrade of the museum, including the unveiling of the “Echoes of the Past” gallery, now repositioned as a modern, immersive exhibition space.” Musawa said.

Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mr. Olugbile Holloway, said the project addresses over two decades of neglect. Noting that, for more than 20 years, the museum had not undergone any extensive renovation. While It was no longer appealing as a learning space.

Holloway noted that the collaboration enabled delivery within a record timeframe. Citing measures in maintaining the newly renovated project .

“Maintenance is about mindset. When people value what they see, they will preserve it.

What has been achieved here in under a year demonstrates the efficiency that private sector partnership brings,” he said.

According to him, the newly commissioned facility now presents a cohesive narrative of Nigeria’s history and deeper cultural diversity.

“It takes visitors through a timeline of antiquities across regions — Igbo, Northern, Benin, Ife — reinforcing national unity, which is the essence of a national museum.

He noted that the commissioning represents only the beginning of a broader transformation agenda. Saying, “this is the first phase. We still have other galleries, storage facilities and expansion plans, including spaces for lectures and exhibitions,” Holloway said.

Integrated High Systems, IHS , who was represented by Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer at IHS Nigeria, Mr. Dapo Otunla, said the project reflects the company’s commitment towards sustainability and innovation.

Following this development, Otunla highlighted key interventions, including structural upgrades, improved power systems and the digitization of artefacts to enhance visitor experience and boost tourism.

Otunla said: “This was a natural fit for us. It aligns with preserving heritage and ensuring that future generations can connect with our history,

We began with about 200 artefacts, allowing virtual interaction and broader accessibility, you cannot quantify what has been achieved here. It goes beyond monetary value”Otunla said.