Nigeria Unveils Groundbreaking Digital Museum to Celebrate and Share Cultural Heritage Worldwide

Nigeria has unveiled its first digital museum, a bold step to preserve heritage and share culture globally.

The platform offers immersive access to history, artefacts and traditions through advanced technology.

Nigeria has taken a historic leap in cultural preservation with the launch of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) Digital Museum, a groundbreaking platform designed to showcase the nation’s cultural heritage to a global audience.

The initiative, unveiled by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, on August 15, 2025, in Lagos, marks the first digital museum of its kind in the country. It provides an interactive space where Nigerians and international audiences can access centuries of history, traditions, and artefacts through cutting-edge technology.

Musawa described the project as more than a technological milestone but a symbol of Nigeria’s determination to safeguard its cultural identity. “This event goes beyond just celebrating our technological advancements; it reflects our nation’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding, enhancing, and showcasing the wealth of our history and creativity on a global stage,” she stated.

The Minister explained that the digital museum would display real-life Nigerian antiquities, enabling users to experience artefacts and exhibitions virtually. Through immersive multimedia storytelling and virtual tours, visitors can explore cultural treasures spanning Nigeria’s diverse ethnic communities.

Despite the progress, Musawa acknowledged the challenges museums and monuments have faced over the decades, ranging from inadequate funding and infrastructure to insecurity and preservation difficulties. She praised the resilience of these institutions, noting that they have continued to conserve traditions and educate generations despite constraints.

The NCMM Digital Museum also aligns Nigeria with global best practices in digital heritage management. Similar to initiatives by world-renowned institutions such as the Louvre in Paris, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, and the British Museum in London, it positions Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s contribution to the global cultural dialogue.

During the launch event, which brought together key figures from the industry, including Ayotade Oyinlola and Mohamad Darwish from IHS Nigeria, as well as Olugbile Holloway, the Director-General of NCMM, the vital role of public-private partnerships in safeguarding cultural heritage was highlighted.

Musawa extended an invitation to both Nigerians and global audiences to dive into and engage with the new platform. “We call upon every Nigerian and our friends worldwide to honor and celebrate our rich cultural heritage. This groundbreaking initiative guarantees that our narratives, customs, and artistic expressions are preserved not only for the present generation but for many generations to come,” she stated.