Table of Contents

Nigeria


N.B.: General country data and external links have been provided by the Member State. * Uploaded: 06/2020

General Country data

The main cultural assets of Nigeria

Nigeria is a country endowed with a lot of cultural heritages sourced from its multicultural communities. Art is an integral part of Nigeria's cultural image; Nigeria's art ecosystem continues to flourish at an impressive pace as Nigerian artists, art lovers, and curators increasingly break creative and commercial moulds to keep art alive in the public's consciousness. The top art galleries in the country not only contribute immensely to the appreciation and preservation of the aesthetic nature of art; they also dedicate their spaces to grooming future talent and enlightening the public, within and beyond the shores of the country.

Nigeria has many cultural assets generally found in large cities and state capitals, such as:

In addition, there are also Cultural Festivals in Nigeria, such as Argungu Fishing Festival; Ikeji Arondizuogu; Calabar Carnival; Eyo Festival; Igbo New Yam festival; and Osun FestivaI.

The legal framework on cultural heritage conservation

The Nigerian Constitution has the provisions regarding the rights of Nigerian people to develop and promote their cultures, and to apply their cultures as an instrument promoting national identity and unity. The Legislative List of the Nigerian Constitution defines the mandate of the Federal government, as well as of the state and provincial authorities, in the field of culture. According to the List, each Nigerian State government has the exclusive responsibility for the promotion and development of local culture(s).

Acts of the National Assembly of Nigeria define the role and functioning of the specialized bodies dealing with culture. Specific laws passed by the state or provincial authorities represent the statutory basis for the establishment of arts councils and the other local bodies.

The cultural and natural sites on the World Heritage List

Nigeria is blessed with outstanding cultural, natural and significant heritage sites, which are listed among the UNESCO Heritage Sites. These sites have become of great interest to visitors and Nigerians alike. The Nigerian heritage sites are on both the tentative list and on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These sites have natural and extreme beauty with historical significance that will inspire every one.


Adhesion to ICCROM

Nigeria is a Member State of ICCROM since 12/12/1961

Within ICCROM

Mandates in ICCROM Council since 1958:

  • 1963-1965: Lloyd Chike Gwam
  • 1975-1981: Y.O. Dawodu
  • 1992-1993: G.A. Adeosun

ICCROM Staff since 1959: - None -

Involvement of Nigerian Nationals

Activities in/with Nigeria since 2002


Activities details

Activities details


  • 2003 - 1 Technical assistance(s)
  • 2004 - 1 Course(s), 1 Mission(s)
  • 2005 - 1 Mission(s), 1 Technical assistance(s)
  • 2007 - 1 Technical assistance(s)
  • 2008 - 1 Mission(s)
  • 2010 - 1 Mission(s)
  • 2011 - 1 Technical assistance(s)
  • 2016 - 1 Mission(s)
  • 2017 - 1 Course(s), 2 Mission(s)
  • 2018 - 1 Course(s), 1 Mission(s)
  • 2021 - 2 Partnership(s)
  • 2023 - 1 Mission(s)


External links

Governmental Cultural Institutions

Museums and Cultural Heritage Institutions

Name of more relevant museums


* ICCROM reserves the right to moderate the content provided by Member States for country profiles to ensure that they remain within the scope of ICCROM’s mission and pertinent to cultural heritage. However, ICCROM does not take responsibility for the accuracy and validity of the content supplied. The ideas and opinions expressed are those of the Member States.