Experts from the British Museum and the University of Oxford visited the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Legacy Museum to explore collaboration in preserving and revitalising Nigeria’s railway heritage.
Prof. Paul Bagu, an anthropologist from the University of Oxford who led the team, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.
Bagu toured key sections of the museum, including the historic Old Running Shed, which houses ageing locomotives and coaches. He expressed keen interest in their restoration and emphasised the importance of international collaboration.
“The NRC Legacy Museum is a valuable repository of Nigeria’s industrial and cultural history. There is significant potential for collaboration in conservation, restoration, and knowledge exchange to preserve these assets for future generations,” he said.
He noted that the historical ties between Britain and Nigeria’s railway development present a unique opportunity for partnerships that celebrate and preserve this shared heritage. Drawing from regional experience, he referenced a railway heritage initiative in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where dedicated enthusiasts contributed significantly to a museum’s revival and sustainability.
“This demonstrates the impact of local commitment and encourages similar engagement in Nigeria to support the growth of the NRC Legacy Museum,” he added.
Mr Taye Olaniyi, President of the Legacy Museum Railway Compound, welcomed the visitors and acknowledged Mr Nate Adediron, a retired director, for his contributions to the museum.
“This visit reinforces the importance of global partnerships in our vision to make the NRC Legacy Museum a leading railway heritage centre in Africa,” Olaniyi said.
A key highlight was the discussion about the historic coach used by Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Nigeria. Experts acknowledged the historical link between Britain and Nigeria’s railway system and emphasised leveraging this shared heritage.
The engagement marks a significant step toward international collaboration in preserving Nigeria’s railway legacy and strengthens efforts to position the NRC Legacy Museum as a premier heritage destination in Africa.
