The Federal Government has expressed concern over the limited number of Nigerian cultural sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, describing the current count as inadequate for a nation rich in cultural diversity.
This concern was raised during the Netherlands Fund-In-Trust-supported project aimed at protecting the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, one of Nigeria’s two recognized World Heritage Sites. The Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa was listed in 1999, followed by the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove in 2005.
Speaking at the event, UNESCO Abuja Regional Office Head, Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo, pledged to promote the inclusion of additional Nigerian sites on the World Heritage List while ensuring the protection and conservation of existing ones. “We aim to expand the enlistment of new sites and safeguard those already on the list,” Diallo stated, highlighting the strong collaboration between UNESCO and Nigerian cultural organizations.
Minister of Arts, Culture, and Tourism, Hannatu Musa Musawa, emphasized the urgent need to increase Nigeria’s representation. “Having only two sites on the World Heritage List is unacceptable for a country with such cultural wealth. We must work closely with UNESCO to significantly expand this number in the coming years,” she said.
Dr. Lateef Olagunju, Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO in Nigeria, underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage as “priceless assets that connect us to the past and the future.”
Project Lead for TechSAH, Mr. Chinedu Gbulie, praised the collaboration between UNESCO, civil society organizations, and local stakeholders in strengthening efforts to protect heritage sites. He noted the project’s success in improving the capacity of security agencies to prevent the illicit movement of cultural artifacts.
Efforts are now being intensified to identify, protect, and propose additional Nigerian sites for recognition, ensuring that the country’s rich cultural legacy is better represented on the global stage.
