A team of heritage experts from the British Museum and University of Oxford has visited the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Legacy Museum as part of efforts to deepen international collaboration in preserving and revitalising Nigeria’s railway heritage.
The delegation, led by Professor Paul Bagu alongside Mrs. Julia Hudson, undertook a guided tour of the facility, exploring key sections including the historic Old Running Shed, home to ageing locomotives and coaches.
During the visit, Bagu expressed strong interest in the restoration of the locomotives, highlighting the critical role of global partnerships in heritage conservation. He described the museum as a vital repository of Nigeria’s industrial and cultural history, noting its potential for collaboration in conservation, restoration, and knowledge exchange.
A notable moment during the tour was the discussion around the historic railway coach used by Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Nigeria. The team emphasised that the shared railway history between Britain and Nigeria presents a unique opportunity to build meaningful heritage partnerships.
Drawing parallels with similar initiatives, Professor Bagu referenced a railway heritage project in Freetown, where community-driven efforts have successfully sustained a museum. He encouraged stronger local participation in Nigeria to support the growth and sustainability of the NRC Legacy Museum.
Welcoming the visitors, President of the Legacy Museum Railway Compound, Mr. Taye Olaniyi, expressed appreciation for the visit and acknowledged the contributions of retired director, Mr. Nate Adediron, to the development of the museum.
Olaniyi noted that the engagement underscores the importance of global partnerships in advancing the vision of positioning the NRC Legacy Museum as a leading railway heritage centre in Africa.
The visit also featured technical insights from the Assistant Director (Mechanical), NRC, Engr. Dr. A.T. Quadri, who provided detailed explanations on the operation and maintenance of both legacy and modern locomotives. His presentation highlighted the Corporation’s commitment to preserving historical assets while aligning with contemporary rail development standards.
The team further explored thematic exhibits such as Monuments and Railway Administrators, Nigeria in Transition, and simplified visuals of Nigeria’s political evolution.
Commending the museum’s educational value, Bagu urged greater efforts to engage younger generations in heritage preservation.
The visit concluded with the presentation of certificates to notable contributors and supporting institutions, followed by a group photograph session.
The engagement marks a significant step toward strengthening international collaboration and reinforces ongoing efforts to establish the NRC Legacy Museum as a premier heritage destination in Africa.