MOWAA: Tinubu constitutes special committee to safeguard national cultural heritage (Full List)

*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 to the Museum of West African Art located in Benin City, Edo State capital

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

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 as part of a decisive response to recent developments at the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), in Benin City, Edo State capital.

The Federal Government said the Presidential intervention underscored 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 Hon Minister of Art, culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, and comprises distinguished stakeholders representing critical national and international interests.

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Its composition reflects President Tinubu’s recognition of the complex historical cultural and diplomatic dimensions of this matter.

Members of the Presidential Committee include:

1 Honourable 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

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.

Chindaya Ahmadu, Director of Press in the Federal Ministry of Art culture Tourism and Creative Economy, Thursday, November 13, 2025, stated 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.

All stakeholders are hereby urged to maintain peace and cooperate fully with the Presidential Committee as it pursues its vital mandate.

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