Digital Preservation of Nigeria’s National Archives: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

The study examines the present condition of the Nigerian National Archives. The researcher adopted a desk review of secondary sources and corroborated them with oral interviews. The approach is narrative, historical, and analytic. Through careful observation of archival records in the National Archives Ibadan (NAI) and National Archives Kaduna (NAK), the researcher uncovers that the present condition of Nigeria’s archival records and structures is in deplorable condition and needs to be urgently rescued through the digitisation programmes. The study explores some of the benefits of digitising Nigeria’s archival records, including visibility, ease of accessibility, and durability. The study notes some of the challenges for embarking on digitization, including poor funding, a lack of stable power supply, and a great dearth of legislation. The study advocates for synergy with international organisations like the International Council on Archives (ICA) and the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for technical and financial assistance.