Poor Funding, Infrastructure Biggest Challenges Facing Museum, Says Commission

Poor funding, lack of sound and effective infrastructure and security have been identified as the major issues facing Museum development in Nigeria.

The National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Abuja, stated this while speaking on Museum development in Nigeria, its challenges and the way forward.

It said cultural awareness/ religious connotation and apathy to Museum education also pose a challenge.

Adogah Angulu Abdullahi, A.C.A.M.E.O said, “The major constraint or barrier staring Nigeria Museums in the face is the issue of funding as most museums rely on government for funding. This has affected the quality of exhibition(s) and other educational programs and activities of the Museums. It has also affected maintenance of Museums facilities.

“Most Museums in Nigeria do not have sound and effective infrastructure such as electricity, water supply and access road and these affect the audience (visitors) patronage.

“Most Museums in Nigeria lack modern security gadgets such as cameras, alarms, detectors in their possession. Also most Museums lack skilled and trained security personnel.

“Most people still see Museum as a place where idols are kept and therefore should not be visited because of their religion and belief. The cultural awareness about Museums in Nigeria is very, very low,” he said.

On the way forward, he said in order for any museum to meet up to the channel and yearning of its audience/visitors through electronic and efficient services, adequate funding should be made for Museums administration, management and operation.

According to him, corporate bodies should equally be encouraged to key into Museums funding through Public Private Partnership (PPP).

He further called for a State of Emergency on Museums infrastructure by coopting non state actors in the provision of electricity, access roads, portable water, etc. towards enhancing and effective and efficient Museums system.

He added; ‘Security of Museum should be given adequate attention with the provision of modern gadgets (e.g cameras, alarms, and protectors). Also, use of adequate training and re training for its security personnel. Museums can partner with Law Enforcement Agencies to enhance Museums security within the locality.

“Museums Management in Nigeria can promote cultural awareness by partnering with Faith based Organizations, civil societies, National Orientation Agency (NOA), media and locals, on the need to educate the populace of the important, functions and benefits of Museum to the community.”