Intro
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) is an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, responsible for the preservation, promotion, and development of Nigeria’s cultural heritage. Established in the 1940s, the NCMM is responsible for the management of all National Museums and Monuments in Nigeria, including ancient artefacts, traditional architecture, and historical sites. Its main aim is to preserve and promote the diverse tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Nigeria for generations to come. NCMM is involved in Exhibition, Research, Education, and Community Engagement programs aimed at creating awareness and appreciation of Nigeria’s rich history and cultural heritage. The Commission also conducts archaeological excavations and surveys in various parts of the country, creating opportunities for further research and development in the field of cultural heritage management.
Enquiries
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+2348164659848
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info@ncmm.gov.ng
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NCMM
Vision Statement
A stable museum system, which ensures the preservation and integration of the Nigerian cultural and natural heritage within the local and national developmental process and the world heritage network.
Mission Statement
The systematic collection, preservation, study and interpretation of the material evidence (tangible and intangible) of the development of the peoples of Nigeria and Nigerians in the Diaspora.
Motto
"Great heritage for a greater future"
NATIONAL MUSEUMS
WORLD HERITAGE SITES
NATIONAL MONUMENTS
ACADEMIC INSTITUTION
YEARS OF EXISTENCE
ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN
Prof. Abba Isa Tijani
Director-General / CEO NCMM Nigeria
On August 26, 2020, the former President of Nigeria, President Mohammadu Buhari appointed Prof. Abba Isa Tijani as the 7th Indigenous Substantive Director-General/CEO of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM).
Prof. Abba Tijani, a professor of Museology and Anthropology assumed office on 1st September, 2020.
The President Welcomes the Museum
The President, Commander in Chief, Muhammadu Buhari, recently received in audience, Prof. Abba Isa Tijani at the Presidential Villa, in Abuja.
Prof Tijani used the opportunity to brief the President on activities, recorded successes and challenges of the Commission.
This visit was during the tenure of the former President. Nigeria has since May 29, 2023 welcomed a new President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
NCMM Profile
News & Events
In Glasgow, Nigeria Holds Talks for Repatriation of Cultural Artefacts from Scotland
In Glasgow, Nigeria Holds Talks for Repatriation of Cultural Artefacts from...
NCMM holds 2022 Management Retreat, Commissions Upgraded Exhibition Gallery at National Museum Jos
Management of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments led by the resourceful...
Commissioning of the New Exhibition and The Children Playing Park at National Museum Lagos
Acting U.S. Consul General, James Suor, said modern educational space would stimulate curiosity in...
International Museum Day and International Day for Monuments and Sites Celebration in Abuja, Nigeria
SIGHTS & SOUND of the celebration of international Museum Day and International Day for...
Nigeria Wins as Bank of America Announces 2022 Art Conservation Project Grant Selections
Bank of America has announced winners of its 2022 arts conservation project grant and Nigeria has...
National Museum Owerri Celebrates International Day of Monuments and Sites
Wednesday, 11th day of May, 2022 was a remarkable day in Owerri as National Museum Owerri...
Celebration of International Museum Day 2023

International Museum Day 2023 to focus on sustainability and well-being
“The theme for the 2023 International Museum Day edition (May 18) is Museums, Sustainability and Well-being”
Museums are key contributors to the well-being and to the sustainable development of our communities. As trusted institutions and important threads in our shared social fabric, they are uniquely placed to create a cascading effect to foster positive change. There are many ways in which museums can contribute to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals: from supporting climate action and fostering inclusivity, to tackling social isolation and improving mental health.
As highlighted in the ICOM Resolution “On sustainability and the implementation of Agenda 2030, Transforming our World” (Kyoto, 2019), all museums have a role to play in shaping and creating sustainable futures, and they can do this through educational programmes, exhibitions, community outreach and research.
Each year since 2020, the International Museum Day supports a set of Goals from the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. In 2023, we will focus on:
- Goal 3 Global Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, in particular concerning mental health and social isolation.
- Goal 13 Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, adopting low-carbon practices in the Global North and mitigation strategies in the Global South.
- Goal 15 Life on Land: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, amplifying the voices of indigenous leaders and raising awareness on the loss of biodiversity.
On May 18th, 2023 NCMM will join other museums all around the world to celebrate the IMD.
Culled from ICOM
Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove WHS
Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a sacred grove along the banks of the Osun River just outside the city of Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.
The Osun-Osogbo Grove is several centuries old and is among the last of the sacred forests that once adjoined the edges of most Yoruba cities before extensive urbanization. In recognition of its global significance and its cultural value, the Sacred Grove was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
Every year, the Osun-Osogbo Festival is celebrated in the month of August at the Grove. The festival attracts thousands of Osun worshippers, spectators and tourists from all walks of life. More…
Latest Activities
Return Of Nigerian Antiquities
This video highlights the efforts of the Director General NCMM towards ensuring the return of Nigerian Antiquities trapped all around the world
Oba Of Benin Takes Delivery Of Looted ‘Okpa,’ ‘Ilahor’ Returned From UK
The physical handing over of two bronze artefacts from Jesus College, University of Cambridge and University of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom by the Nigerian High Commissioner to Britain to HRM Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Oba Ewuare II, took place on Saturday, 19th February, 2022.
The artefacts were returned in a ceremony held at the Oba Palace in Benin City.
The Director-General, NCMM Prof. Abba Isa Tijani was joined at the handing over ceremony by the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Amb. Sarafa Tunji Ishola and other officials from the UK. Video Credit: Channels Television
“National Commission for Museums and Monuments is the Cultural Central Bank of Nigeria”
Dr. O. J. Eboireme - Late Former Director General, NCMM
Museum Facts
National Museum Esie is the first museum to be established in Nigeria. The museum was established in Nigeria in 1945. It is reputed to have the largest collection of soapstone images in the world.
There are 53 National Museum Stations spread across the country, these stations house the rich history of Nigeria as well as exhibitions depicting the cultural diversity of Nigeria
In the past years, sixty-five (65) National Monuments and Sites have been declared, while a hundred (100) additional ones are being proposed for declaration as National Monuments to mark Nigeria’s Centenary.