In a decisive move to address recent controversies surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate constitution of a high-level Presidential Committee to develop a lasting framework for resolving all related matters.
The President’s directive underscores his administration’s firm commitment to protecting Nigeria’s cultural heritage while promoting dialogue, mutual respect, and strict adherence to constitutional provisions.
Composition of the Committee
The committee, chaired by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, includes prominent figures representing both national and international stakeholders.
Members include representatives from the Presidency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the German and French embassies, the National Council for Arts and Culture, the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Edo State Government, and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), among others.
According to the Presidency, the diverse composition reflects President Tinubu’s awareness of the complex historical, cultural, and diplomatic dimensions of the MOWAA issue.
Mandate of the Committee
The committee has been tasked to:
Conduct wide-ranging consultations with relevant stakeholders;
Undertake thorough fact-finding on all pertinent issues; and
Formulate actionable recommendations that safeguard Nigeria’s sovereign cultural interests while maintaining international partnerships and diplomatic harmony.
Minister’s Statement
Speaking on the development, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, said the Presidential intervention demonstrates government’s dedication to preserving Nigeria’s cultural legacy through lawful and peaceful means.
“Cultural institutions are the pillars of our national identity and must be protected through collaborative approaches that reflect both traditional custodianship and modern institutional structures,” she stated.
Way Forward
The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations directly to President Tinubu for swift action toward achieving sustainable and respectful solutions that strengthen Nigeria’s cultural ecosystem.
The Federal Government reiterated that while the Constitution guarantees certain freedoms, these must be exercised responsibly, particularly in matters affecting the nation’s shared heritage.
It called on all stakeholders to maintain peace and cooperate fully with the Presidential Committee in carrying out its vital mandate.