A delegation of experts from the British Museum and University of Oxford has visited the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Legacy Museum to explore partnership opportunities aimed at preserving Nigeria’s railway heritage.
The team, led by Professor Paul Bagu, an anthropologist from the University of Oxford, alongside Mrs. Julia Hudson, undertook a familiarisation tour of the facility. During the visit, they inspected key sections of the museum, including the historic Old Running Shed, which houses ageing locomotives and coaches.
Speaking during the tour, Professor Bagu stressed the importance of international collaboration in restoring and preserving the railway assets.
“The NRC Legacy Museum represents a valuable repository of Nigeria’s industrial and cultural history. There is significant potential for collaboration in areas such as conservation, restoration, and knowledge exchange to ensure these assets are preserved for future generations,” he said.
The delegation also examined the historic coach used by Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Nigeria, highlighting the historical ties between Britain and Nigeria’s railway system.
Professor Bagu noted that “the historical connections between Britain and Nigeria’s railway development present a unique opportunity to build partnerships that celebrate and preserve this shared heritage.”
Drawing comparisons with similar initiatives, he referenced a railway heritage project in Freetown, where local efforts have significantly contributed to museum revival and sustainability. He encouraged similar commitment in Nigeria to enhance the growth of the NRC Legacy Museum.
President of the Legacy Museum Railway Compound, Mr. Taye Olaniyi, welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation to Mr. Nate Adediron, a retired director, for his contributions to the museum.
“We are honoured to receive our distinguished guests. This visit reinforces the importance of global partnerships in sustaining our vision of making the NRC Legacy Museum a leading railway heritage centre in Africa,” Olaniyi said.
Also speaking, Engr. Dr. Quadri A.T., Assistant Director (Mechanical), NRC, provided technical insights into the operation and maintenance of both modern and legacy locomotives, underscoring the corporation’s commitment to preserving railway assets while aligning with modern standards.
The visit featured exhibitions on monuments and railway administrators, Nigeria’s transition history, and simplified visuals of the country’s political development.
Professor Bagu commended the museum’s educational value and urged greater efforts to involve younger generations in heritage preservation.
The visit concluded with the presentation of certificates to recognise contributors and institutions, followed by a group photograph session.
The engagement is expected to strengthen international collaboration and support ongoing efforts to position the NRC Legacy Museum as a leading railway heritage destination in Africa.
