In a decisive response to recent developments at the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin city, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has directed the immediate constitution of a high level presidential committee to develop a comprehensive framework for the permanent resolution of all related matters.
The presidential intervention underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s cultural patrimony while ensuring that all issues are addressed through dialogue mutual respect and strict adherence to constitutional provisions.
Composition of the Committee.
The committee is chaired by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, and comprises stakeholders representing critical national and international interests.
Its composition reflects President Tinubu’s recognition of the complex historical, cultural and diplomatic dimensions of the matter.
Members of the Presidential Committee include:
1 Minister of Art,
Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (Chairperson)
2 Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative
3 Representative of the Presidency
4 Director International Cultural Relations
5 Special Assistant to the President on Creativity
6 Director General National Council for Art and Culture
7 Representative, Palace of the Oba of Benin
8 Representative, Edo State Government
9 Representative, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
10 Representative, German Embassy
11 Representative, French Embassy
12 Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District
13 Representative, National Commission for Museum and Monuments
14 Representative, Museum of West African Art (MOWAA)
15 Legal Adviser, Federal Ministry of Art culture Tourism and Creative Economy.
Mandate of the Committee:
The committee is mandated to:
. Conduct extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders
. Undertake vigorous fact finding on all pertinent issues: and
. Formulate actionable recommendations that balance Nigeria’s sovereign cultural interests with international partnership and diplomatic considerations.
Speaking on the issue, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr Hannatu Musa Musawa said, “This Presidential intervention demonstrates our unwavering dedication to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage through peaceful means and within established legal framework.
“Cultural institutions are pillars of our national identity and must be protected through collaborative approaches that reflect both traditional custodianship and modern institutional structures”.
The committee will submit its findings and recommendations directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to ensure the swift implementation of sustainable solutions that uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s cultural ecosystem.
“The Federal Government reaffirms that while the constitution guarantees certain fundamental freedoms it equally demands responsibility in their exercise. Nigeria’s cultural spaces and artifacts represent our shared inheritance and therefore deserve special protection under both moral and legal statues,” a statement from the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, said.
