The launch ceremony, held in Lagos, was organised by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) in collaboration with IHS Nigeria, a digital infrastructure provider. The event drew dignitaries, cultural custodians, technology leaders and tourism stakeholders, who hailed the project as a major leap in cultural preservation and digital tourism.
A defining moment in cultural history
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, described the initiative as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s cultural journey.
“This platform ensures that Nigeria’s priceless cultural artefacts, traditions and historical records are no longer confined to physical museum walls. We are creating a living archive that will inspire, educate and connect generations of Nigerians and the global community,” she said.
Musawa added that the virtual museum aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises harnessing technology to grow tourism, empower communities and safeguard cultural assets.
Immersive access to Nigeria’s past
The platform showcases over 200 artefacts from the National Museum Lagos, digitised through 3D scanning and enriched with educational content. Visitors can explore high-resolution images, interactive storytelling, and detailed historical records.
The NCMM explained that the virtual museum is designed to serve students, researchers, cultural enthusiasts and the Nigerian diaspora, providing borderless access to the country’s history.
It can be freely explored at www.museum.ng, and officials confirmed that exhibits will be updated regularly with new artefacts, expanded archives and additional educational content.
Technology meets heritage
The role of IHS Nigeria was widely acknowledged as crucial in bringing the project to life. By leveraging its expertise in digital infrastructure, the company provided the backbone for Nigeria’s first comprehensive digital museum.
Commenting on the partnership, officials said the initiative demonstrates the value of public-private collaboration in fostering innovation and cultural sustainability.
Plans are also underway to integrate the virtual museum with global tourism platforms, positioning Nigeria as a leader in digital cultural tourism in Africa.
A legacy for future generations
Closing the event, Musawa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cultural preservation:
“This is not only a gift to our generation but a legacy for generations yet unborn. Our history will live, our stories will be told and our heritage will continue to shine as a beacon of pride for Nigeria and Africa.”
