At a Glance
- Nigeria debuts first digital antiquities museum, showcasing 200+ 3D-scanned artifacts worldwide.
- IHS Nigeria backs the project, merging cultural preservation with cutting-edge technology.
- The platform aims to boost tourism, education, and global access to Nigeria’s heritage.
Nigeria has unveiled its first digital museum of antiquities, a milestone that blends cultural preservation with cutting-edge technology.
The project, backed by IHS Nigeria—part of global telecom infrastructure leader IHS Holding Limited—and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), marks a pivotal step in digitizing the country’s cultural heritage.
The initiative, officially launched by NCMM Director General Olugbile Holloway, is the flagship project under the commission’s Digital Culture Initiative.
Digital museum bridges culture with tech-driven accessibility
Designed to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the platform offers an immersive gateway to Nigeria’s history, making centuries-old artifacts accessible to audiences worldwide.
Featuring more than 200 3D-scanned antiquities from the National Museum Lagos, the digital museum delivers an interactive and educational experience that caters to younger, tech-savvy generations.
Visitors can explore Nigeria’s rich history—from ancient Nok terracotta sculptures to Benin bronzes—in high-resolution detail from anywhere in the world.
IHS Nigeria powers landmark digital heritage experience
Holloway emphasized that the project would not only safeguard priceless artifacts but also inspire a new wave of cultural engagement.
“This is a major leap in making Nigeria’s heritage more accessible, relevant, and globally recognized,” he said, crediting IHS Nigeria for making the vision a reality.
IHS Nigeria CEO Mohamad Darwis called the launch a landmark in cultural preservation, noting that it underscores the role of public-private partnerships in advancing education, tourism, and economic growth.
“By leveraging technology, we are reshaping how heritage is experienced and shared, while promoting Nigeria on the global stage,” Darwish said.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa described the museum as a breakthrough in heritage preservation, enabling authentic Nigerian antiquities to be showcased in a secure, innovative digital space.
The project highlights the growing intersection of technology and culture in Africa’s creative economy.
With increased accessibility, experts believe the platform could boost cultural tourism, attract international collaboration, and fuel new investment in Nigeria’s museum sector.
Sustainability meets digital heritage: IHS powers innovation
Founded in 2001 by Sam Darwish, IHS Holding operates over 39,000 towers across eight markets, including Nigeria, Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zambia.
Its involvement in the museum project reinforces its commitment to sustainability, digital education, and community development.
Nigeria’s first digital antiquities museum sets a new benchmark for heritage preservation in Africa—merging history with innovation and ensuring the nation’s cultural treasures remain relevant for generations to come.
