National Museum of Unity Enugu

The National Museum of Unity, Enugu is an outstation of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments. It is located at Abakaliki Road, beside Old Government House, and behind Blue Berries Garden Bar.

The Nigerian government proposed Enugu outstation in 1972, three years after the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970).

Corporate Mandate

Government founded the outstation to

• procure, preserve and maintain artefacts from the Nigerian Civil War and
• document and exhibit indigenous culture of the Igbos aimed at promoting national understanding and
• promote appreciation of Nigeria’s heterogenous culture as a basis to encourage love and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

Seven years later, the administration published Decree 77 of 1979, to give the museum legal force.

Among other objects, the enabling law empowers the museum to take custody of, oversee and maintain declared and private monuments in the national interest for the purpose of repairing or protecting such monuments or artifacts for a period agreed to between the owner and the commission.

It took 27 years (2006) before the civilian administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo museum finally commissioned the museum.

Services

The National Museum of Unity provides services in three distinct galleries:

(a) THE UNITY GALLERY presents objects and artefacts illustrating some common concepts in the belief system of the various ethnic groups of Nigeria;

(b) THE IGBO GALLERY showcases artifacts reflecting the Igbo worldview through architectural, religious, political, social and economic systems of the Igbo people; and

(c) ENUGU, THE COAL CITY GALLERY presents artifacts showing the growth and development of Enugu City arising from the discovery of coal.

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday, 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.

Benefits

 The museum preserves national culture and heritage from its geographical location. It provides guided tour experience for tourists and visitors. Finally, it serves as a research hub for scholars and interested persons.

Contacts

See Enugu Metro listing of the National Museum of Unity Enugu here