By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Chairman, House Committee on Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock, has called for increased investment in the nation’s museums and cultural institutions, stressing their importance in preserving Nigeria’s heritage and shaping the identity of future generations.
Zock made this call on Monday during the 2025 International Museum Day celebration, hosted by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) in Abuja.
This year’s global theme, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” focuses on the dynamic role of museums in evolving societies and the urgent need to future-proof cultural institutions.
The lawmaker, who represents Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said cultural institutions must not be sidelined in national development strategies, noting that museums are “living archives of our collective history, identity, and creativity.”
“Museums are more than buildings with artefacts they are active spaces for learning, reflection, innovation, and social connection,” Zock said.
“As a nation, we must commit to strengthening them through sustained funding and policy support, stressing doing so will help us safeguard our rich cultural legacy and provide platforms for younger generations to connect with their roots.”
Zock noted that rapidly changing communities driven by technology, urbanization, and globalization pose both challenges and opportunities for museums.
He urged stakeholders to embrace innovation and community engagement to ensure museums remain relevant and impactful.
“Our museums must be repositioned as vibrant centres of creativity and national pride,” he said.
“A visit to a museum is a search for beauty, truth, and meaning in our lives. I urge every Nigerian to visit museums as often as possible.”
The event attracted a cross-section of stakeholders in the culture and heritage sector, including directors of national museums, cultural advocates, students, and civil society groups, all of whom echoed the call for greater recognition of museums as drivers of national cohesion and education.
International Museum Day, celebrated annually on May 18, is coordinated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and serves as a platform to raise awareness about the role of museums in cultural exchange and sustainable development.
