British museum, Oxford team eye Nigerian railway heritage partnership

Experts from the British Museum and the University of Oxford have visited the Nigerian Railway Corporation Legacy Museum to explore collaboration on preserving and revitalising the railway heritage.

An anthropologist from the University of Oxford, Prof. Paul Bagu, who led the team, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

Bagu explored key sections of the museum, including the historic Old Running Shed, where ageing locomotives and coaches are housed.

He expressed keen interest in the restoration and preservation of these locomotives, emphasising the importance of international collaboration.

“The NRC Legacy Museum represents a valuable repository of Nigeria’s industrial and cultural history.

“There is significant potential for collaboration in areas such as conservation, restoration, and knowledge exchange to ensure these assets are preserved for future generations,” he said.

He added that the historical connections between Britain and Nigeria’s railway development present a unique opportunity to build partnerships that celebrate and preserve this shared heritage.

Drawing from regional experience, he also referenced a railway heritage initiative in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where dedicated individuals and enthusiasts had contributed significantly to the revival and sustainability of a museum.

He noted that such efforts demonstrated the impact of local commitment and encouraged similar engagement in Nigeria to support the growth of the NRC Legacy Museum.

The President of the Legacy Museum Railway Compound, Mr Taye Olaniyi, welcomed the visitors and appreciated Mr Nate Adediron, a retired director, for his contributions to the museum.

“This visit reinforces the importance of global partnerships in sustaining their vision of making the NRC Legacy Museum a leading railway heritage centre in Africa,” he said.

A major highlight was the discussion around the historic coach used by Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Nigeria.

The experts acknowledged the historical link between Britain and Nigeria’s railway system and emphasised the need to leverage this shared heritage.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that this engagement marks a significant step towards international collaboration in preserving Nigeria’s railway heritage.

It also strengthens ongoing efforts to position the NRC Legacy Museum as a leading heritage destination in Africa.

NAN