Heritage values and heritage management frameworks in Nigeria

Abstract

Globally, the focus of heritage management has shifted from an initial emphasis on the preservation of heritage materials to the acknowledgement and active involvement of local communities in heritage management practices. However, although there is a global theoretical consensus on this approach, in practice, this approach is rarely implemented. This chapter aims to contribute to the global mapping of contemporary participatory heritage management practices by looking specifically at the case of Nigeria. The chapter demonstrates that in pre-colonial Nigeria, indigenous communities were the sole custodians of heritage which were mainly places of interests and totemic artefacts dedicated to community deities. Holistic acceptance and appreciation of these indigenous places and artefacts at the time made their management uncomplicated. However, the introduction of policies that made government decision-makers in heritage issues during colonialism led to a disconnection between heritage and communities. This chapter, through a review of literature, advocates for an all-inclusive participatory heritage management framework in Nigeria.