Oxford, British Museum partner NRC to preserve railway heritage
A team of experts from the University of Oxford and the British Museum has partnered with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to explore opportunities for preserving and revitalising Nigeria’s railway
- By Ntakobong Otongaran
A team of experts from the University of Oxford and the British Museum has partnered with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to explore opportunities for preserving and revitalising Nigeria’s railway heritage.
The collaboration took shape during a familiarisation visit to the NRC Legacy Museum, where the delegation engaged with key stakeholders on strategies for conservation, restoration, and knowledge exchange aimed at safeguarding the country’s historic rail assets.
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The visiting team was led by Paul Bagu, alongside Julia Hudson, who both underscored the importance of international cooperation in preserving industrial heritage.
During a guided tour of the facility, the experts inspected critical sections of the museum, including the historic Old Running Shed, which houses ageing locomotives and coaches that date back to Nigeria’s early railway development.
Bagu said the museum remained a vital repository of Nigeria’s industrial and cultural history, noting that its preservation would require deliberate partnerships that combine local commitment with global expertise.
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He added that the historical links between Britain and Nigeria’s railway system present a unique opportunity to build enduring partnerships that celebrate shared heritage while ensuring long-term sustainability of the assets.
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A major highlight of the visit was the discussion around the historic coach used by Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Nigeria, a relic that symbolises the deep historical ties between both countries’ rail systems.
Drawing from regional experience, Bagu referenced similar heritage efforts in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where local enthusiasts have driven the revival of railway museums, stressing that sustained community involvement would be critical to the success of Nigeria’s initiative.
President of the Legacy Museum Railway Compound, Taye Olaniyi, welcomed the delegation and described the visit as a strong endorsement of the museum’s vision to emerge as a leading railway heritage centre on the continent.
He also commended the contributions of retired NRC director, Nate Adediran, whose efforts have supported the growth and preservation of the museum.
Olaniyi said the engagement highlighted the importance of global partnerships in advancing the museum’s long-term objectives and deepening its educational and cultural value.
The delegation further explored thematic exhibits, including monuments and railway administrators, Nigeria in transition, and simplified visual narratives of the country’s political evolution, which they described as valuable educational tools.
