By Our Correspondent
National News – Experts from the British Museum and the University of Oxford have begun discussions with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to explore a partnership aimed at preserving and revitalising Nigeria’s railway heritage.
The delegation visited the NRC Legacy Museum in Lagos on Sunday to assess historical assets and identify areas for international collaboration in conservation, restoration, and knowledge exchange.
The team, led by University of Oxford anthropologist Prof. Paul Bagu, toured several sections of the museum, including the historic Old Running Shed where ageing locomotives and railway coaches are stored.
The visit focused on understanding the condition of the artifacts and exploring strategies to preserve them as part of Nigeria’s industrial and cultural history.
According to Bagu, the museum holds significant historical value and presents opportunities for international partnerships that can protect and promote Nigeria’s railway heritage for future generations.
He emphasised that collaboration between British and Nigerian institutions could enhance conservation expertise, technical restoration, and academic research.
Bagu also highlighted the long-standing historical ties between Britain and Nigeria’s railway development, noting that many early railway systems in the country were influenced by British engineering and administration.
He said these shared roots create a unique platform for joint heritage initiatives.
Drawing from experiences in West Africa, the Oxford scholar referenced a railway heritage revival project in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
He explained that local enthusiasts and heritage advocates helped transform a dormant railway site into a functioning museum through community commitment and international support.
Officials at the NRC Legacy Museum welcomed the visiting experts and described the engagement as a major step toward strengthening the museum’s global relevance.
The President of the Legacy Museum Railway Compound, Mr. Taye Olaniyi, commended retired railway director Nate Adediron for his contributions to preserving the facility.
During the discussions, the team also examined the historic railway coach used by Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Nigeria, an artifact considered a symbol of the historical relationship between the two nations.
Stakeholders believe the collaboration could improve restoration efforts, promote heritage tourism, and position the NRC Legacy Museum as one of Africa’s leading railway heritage centres.
