In 1953, the antiquities ordinance, which gave birth to the Federal Department of Antiquity was
promulgated leading to the establishment of Museums in Esie, Jos, Ife, Lagos, Owo, Benin and Oron.
After the Nigerian Civil War, the Federal Government in quest for lasting Unity, Peace and Integration
conceived the policy of establishing a Museum of National Unity in each of the then twelve States of the
federation to serve as instrument of Cultural education through which peace and understanding among
Nigerians would be achieved.
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments is arguably the largest Parastatal in the
Federal Ministry of Information and Culture. It was founded in it’s present status by Decree 77 of 1979
as a successor to the Federal Department of Antiques.
The Commission also manages and maintain over 63 National Monuments, as well as two UNESCO
World Heritage Sites.
The Commission, in the year 1999 succeeded in placing Sukur Cultural site in Adamawa State on the
World Heritage List. Also in the year 2005, the Osun Osogbo Grove was admitted on the World Heritage
List. Other sites in Edo, Cross River, Kano, Ogun and Ondo States are being prepared towards attaining
similar status.
ACTIVITIES
The functions of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments includes the collection,
documentations and management of Antiques, its conservation and preservation, it also includes the
presentation of such objects to the general public for purposes of education, enlightenment and
entertainment. The Museum packages our past. It gives depth and width of our history.
In the language of the law that established the Commission (Decree 77 of 1979), the National
Commission for Museums and Monuments exist to;
a. Administer National Museums, Antiques and Monuments.
b. Establish and maintain National Museums and other outlets in connection with, but no
restricted only to the following:
i. Antiquities
ii. Science and Technology
iii. Warfare
iv. African, Black and other Antiquities
v. Arts and Crafts
vi. Architecture
vii. Natural History
viii. Educational Services
c. Jointly with States, Local Government and Communities established Museum outlets at this
level.
The Commission also represents Nigeria at such International Cultural Bodies like; International
Council of Museums (ICOM), International Centre for the Study of the Restoration and Preservation of Cultural Property, Rome (ICCROM), International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and
International Committee for Documentation for Africa (AFRICOM).
Nigeria is the implementing Agency of the UNESCO World Heritage Programme, for Nigeria
under whose auspices Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove and Sukur cultural landscapes are managed.
The Commission operates a seven departmental structure, each headed by a Director.
The Departments are:
i. Department of Museums
ii. Department of Research, Planning and Publications
iii. Department of Monuments, Heritage and Sites
iv. Department of Educational Services and Training
v. Department of Administration and Supplies
vi. Department of Finances and Accounts
vii. Department of Legal Services
The Commission is yet to establish its presence in Ekiti and Zamfara States.
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) is a statutory body saddled with
the responsibilities of establishing and regulating Non- National Museums, Museums that are not
owned by/ managed by NCMM across the country vide section 3 of NCMM Act. CAP 242N 19, 2004
LFN.
The Vision
A stable and vibrant Museum system, which ensures preservation and integration of the Nigerian
(Cultural and Natural) heritage within the Local and National processes and World Heritage
Network.
Mission;
The systematic collection, preservation, study, research and interpretation of material
evidence (tangible and intangible) of the development of the people of Nigeria and Nigerians in
Diaspora.