In a decisive move to address ongoing developments at the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate formation of a high-level presidential committee. This special committee is tasked with creating a comprehensive framework for permanently resolving all matters related to the museum and Nigeria's cultural heritage.
Committee Composition and Mandate
The newly constituted committee will be chaired by Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy. The committee includes distinguished stakeholders representing both national and international interests, reflecting the complex historical, cultural, and diplomatic dimensions of the situation.
Other members of the presidential committee include: the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; Representative of the Presidency; Director of International Cultural Relations; Special Assistant to the President on Creativity; Director General of the National Council for Art and Culture; Representative from the Palace of the Oba of Benin; Representative from the Edo State Government; Representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Representatives from the German and French Embassies; Senator representing Edo South; Representative from the National Commission for Museum and Monuments; Representative from the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA); and Legal Adviser from the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.
Committee's Key Responsibilities
The committee has been given three primary mandates: 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.
According to the press release signed by Chindaya Ahmadu, Director Press of the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, this presidential intervention demonstrates the administration's unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria's cultural patrimony. All issues will be addressed through dialogue, mutual respect, and strict adherence to constitutional provisions.
Government's Stance on Cultural Protection
Minister Musawa emphasized that "This Presidential intervention demonstrates our unwavering dedication to preserving Nigeria's cultural heritage through peaceful means and within established legal framework." She further noted that "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 Federal Government reaffirmed that while the constitution guarantees certain fundamental freedoms, it equally demands responsibility in their exercise. The government statement emphasized that Nigeria's cultural spaces and artifacts represent our shared inheritance and therefore deserve special protection under both moral and legal statutes.
The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations directly to President Tinubu to ensure the swift implementation of sustainable solutions that uphold the integrity of Nigeria's cultural ecosystem. The Federal Government has urged all stakeholders to maintain peace and cooperate fully with the Presidential Committee as it pursues its vital mandate.
