Piql, NCAC partner to digitalize Nigeria’s cultural heritage

Nigeria’s cultural heritage is at a crossroads, threatened by poor archival infrastructure, inadequate funding, and technological obsolescence. Recognising the urgency of preservation, Piql West Africa and the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) have announced a strategic partnership to digitise and securely store Nigeria’s historical records using cutting-edge long-term data preservation technology. The collaboration […]

Nigeria’s cultural heritage is at a crossroads, threatened by poor archival infrastructure, inadequate funding, and technological obsolescence.

Recognising the urgency of preservation, Piql West Africa and the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) have announced a strategic partnership to digitise and securely store Nigeria’s historical records using cutting-edge long-term data preservation technology.

The collaboration was unveiled at the inaugural Piql Africa Breakfast Meeting on Heritage Preservation, held in Lagos.

Organised by Piql Nigeria, a global leader in digital preservation, the high-level gathering brought together policymakers, cultural advocates, academics, corporate leaders, and heritage experts to explore sustainable solutions for safeguarding Nigeria’s legacy.

Speaking on the partnership, Managing Director of Piql Africa Ltd, Esona Onuoha, described the initiative as a bridge between Nigeria’s rich cultural past and its digital future.

According to him, Piql’s technology ensures that these records are preserved in a way that is both secure and sustainable, stating that it is not just about data storage but about securing cultural identity.

The collaboration between Piql and NCAC is expected to leverage Piql’s advanced archival solutions to create a secure, long-term repository for Nigeria’s cultural artefacts, historical documents, and artistic heritage.

The agreement comes amid growing concerns over the loss and misrepresentation of African history.

Former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, highlighted the deliberate distortion of African history during the transatlantic slave trade and colonial era, stressing the need for accurate documentation.

He noted that one of the biggest challenges facing Nigerian historians today is reclaiming the true narrative of the country’s past through rigorous research and archiving.

Anyaoku recalled a personal experience of visiting the National Museum in Lagos, only to find its deplorable state embarrassing.

While in government, he successfully secured ₦800 million from the federal government and $2 million from the Ford Foundation for archival preservation, but he emphasised the need for institutionalised efforts rather than one-off interventions.

Similarly, cultural financier Prince Yemisi Shyllon underscored the economic importance of historical documentation, questioning how Nigeria could transition from an extractive economy to a knowledge-driven one without properly documenting its past.

He pointed out that other nations were leveraging historical data to build artificial intelligence and drive innovation, while Nigeria continued to neglect its own archives. Shyllon highlighted his efforts to digitise Nigeria’s cultural heritage through Google Arts & Culture, where 31 cultural events, including the Ojude Oba Festival, Osun Osogbo Festival, and Eyo Festival, have been archived for global access.

The breakfast meeting featured a distinguished lineup of participants, each contributing unique perspectives on heritage preservation.

Among them was Dr. Rick Acholonu, Igwe of Orlu, who stressed the importance of local communities in preserving cultural identity. Michel Deleen, Consul of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lagos, highlighted the role of international collaboration in archival preservation, while Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President on Creativity, discussed policy interventions for integrating digital archiving into national development.

Nze Ed Keazor, Chairman of Piql Africa Ltd, debunked historical inaccuracies, revealing that references to “Nigeria” existed as early as 1719, predating the widely held belief that Flora Shaw coined the name in 1897. Ojinnaka Obi Asika, Director-General of NCAC, who delivered the keynote speech, emphasised that cultural memory is not just nostalgia but a form of economic and political power.

He argued that many African societies had sophisticated knowledge systems before colonial rule, citing examples such as the Benin Bronzes, the Nok civilisation’s ironworks, and the Nsibidi writing system, which challenge colonial narratives that Africa lacked a written history.

Also in attendance was Tola Akerele, Chief Executive Officer of the National Theatre, who spoke about the role of the creative industry in driving cultural sustainability. Evelyn Odigboh, Director of the Nigerian National Archives, explained the challenges of maintaining national records, noting that many important documents were never submitted for archiving. She outlined four key criteria that determine whether a document qualifies for archiving: historical value, administrative relevance, legal significance, or research potential.

Beyond the Piql-NCAC partnership, the event signalled increasing corporate sector engagement in heritage preservation. First Bank Nigeria, Nigeria LNG (NLNG), and Text Nigeria Limited expressed interest in supporting archival initiatives, recognising the link between historical documentation and economic development.

The participation of the Imo State Economic Summit Group (IESG) further reinforced the economic dimension of heritage preservation, with the group showing interest in aligning Piql’s initiatives with broader national development goals.

Piql’s involvement in Nigeria aligns with its global mission of securing cultural heritage through technology. Chief Executive Officer of Piql AS and the Arctic World Archive (AWA), Rune Bjerkestrand, reiterated the company’s dedication to long-term digital preservation.

The event also featured the Awards for Excellence in Heritage Preservation, recognising individuals and institutions that have played a vital role in safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural legacy. Honourees included Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Prof. Wole Soyinka (represented by Jahman Anikulapo), Prince Yemisi Shyllon, First Bank of Nigeria, Evelyn Odigboh, Jahman Anikulapo, Olugbile Holloway, and the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (in absentia). Accepting the award on behalf of Prof. Wole Soyinka, Jahman Anikulapo emphasised that cultural preservation is not just about history but is central to Nigeria’s identity and future.

Reflecting on the event’s impact, Chief Operating Officer of Piql Nigeria, Sanford Emejuaiwe, stated that the enthusiasm displayed by attendees reaffirmed the urgency of preserving Nigeria’s legacy. He noted that the conversations and partnerships formed during the meeting would drive the future of data preservation and cultural protection.

Chief Strategy Officer of Piql Nigeria, Emeka Enwere, described the event as a benchmark for what can be achieved when stakeholders collaborate.