Nigeria has embarked on a groundbreaking journey to digitize its cultural heritage through a strategic partnership involving IHS Nigeria, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE). This collaboration aims to establish a digital museum that will preserve and globally showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural artifacts, historical artworks, and monuments.
The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa’s Digital Culture Initiative. It is envisioned as a key element of the Ministry’s 8-point plan to foster partnerships and promote innovation and sustainable growth in the creative industries.
The Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, describing it as a significant milestone in the nation’s cultural development. She stated: “We are delighted to partner with IHS Nigeria on this initiative, which aligns seamlessly with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and our Ministry’s commitment to innovation, global partnerships, and the sustainable advancement of our creative industries. As the first major project under our Digital Culture Initiative, this endeavor positions Nigeria as a leader on the global stage while ensuring the preservation of our cultural legacy.”
IHS Nigeria, a global leader in communications infrastructure, brings its technical expertise and resources to the project. With over 40,000 towers across 10 countries, the company is leveraging its technological prowess to create a virtual platform that provides worldwide access to Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Mohamad Darwish, CEO of IHS Nigeria, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “This partnership reflects our commitment to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage and fostering community development, education, and sustainability. Together, we aim to create a lasting legacy that bridges the gap between tradition and modernity.”
The digital museum will serve as an educational resource for students, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts, providing virtual access to Nigeria’s treasures. It is designed to engage younger audiences and adapt to modern trends in heritage preservation, ensuring accessibility and sustainability.
Olugbile Holloway, Director General of NCMM, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “This digital museum is an essential step toward engaging younger audiences and adapting to global trends. It will not only preserve our national heritage but also provide a platform for researchers, students, and the public to connect with our cultural history in an innovative and accessible way.”
The initiative is expected to elevate Nigeria’s profile in cultural preservation and innovation, making the country a global leader in heritage digitization. It also complements the government’s vision for sustainable growth and development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
This pioneering project marks a significant step in preserving Nigeria’s cultural legacy while leveraging technology to create a bridge between tradition and modernity.