Lagos, Nigeria – Experts from the British Museum and the University of Oxford have visited the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Legacy Museum, signaling a new era of international collaboration in preserving Nigeria’s railway heritage.
Leading the team, Prof. Paul Bagu, an anthropologist from Oxford, toured key sections of the museum, including the historic Old Running Shed, home to ageing locomotives and coaches. He expressed keen interest in the restoration and conservation of these relics, highlighting the significance of global partnerships in safeguarding historical assets.
“The NRC Legacy Museum holds immense value as a repository of Nigeria’s industrial and cultural history,” Prof. Bagu said. “There is enormous potential for collaboration in conservation, restoration, and knowledge exchange to preserve these treasures for future generations.”
The visit also drew attention to the historical ties between Britain and Nigeria’s railway system, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate and preserve this shared heritage. Prof. Bagu referenced a successful railway heritage initiative in Freetown, Sierra Leone, as an example of how local dedication can drive museum revival and sustainability.
Mr. Taye Olaniyi, President of the Legacy Museum Railway Compound, welcomed the experts and lauded retired director Mr. Nate Adediron for his contributions. “This visit reinforces the importance of global partnerships in realizing our vision of making the NRC Legacy Museum a leading railway heritage centre in Africa,” he said.
A key highlight of the visit was the discussion surrounding the historic coach used by Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Nigeria. Experts emphasized leveraging such historical links to enhance public engagement and heritage preservation efforts.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that this engagement marks a critical step toward strengthening international collaboration and positioning the NRC Legacy Museum as a premier heritage destination on the continent.
