The Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) is in discussions with Wikimedia User Group Nigeria to digitise the state’s historical archives in a proposed partnership that is promising to transform access to Lagos’ rich heritage.
Ambassador Olushola Olaniyan, President of Wikimedia User Group Nigeria, is leading efforts to collaborate with the archival agency in a bid to make historical records—from the colonial era to modern-day Lagos—freely accessible on global knowledge platforms, including Wikipedia.
During a courtesy visit to LASRAB headquarters in Lagos, Ambassador Olaniyan presented the proposal to Toyin Ogunlana, Director-General of LASRAB, and underscores the shared vision of both institutions to preserve history through technology.
“The proposed partnership seeks to ensure the preservation, promotion, and wider accessibility of Lagos State’s rich historical heritage through digital platforms, thereby preventing data loss and safeguarding the state’s history for future generations,” Ambassador Olaniyan says.
Under the proposed collaboration, LASRAB’s archival holdings are expected to be integrated into Wikimedia’s open-access ecosystem, making Lagos’ historical documentation available to millions of users worldwide.
Ogunlana welcomes the proposal and says LASRAB is open to “collaborations that align with our mission to safeguard Lagos State’s historical memory.” The two institutions are expressing optimism that the digital preservation effort will expand access to credible historical content while inspiring civic engagement in cultural storytelling.
LASRAB: A digital shift for Lagos history
Three weeks ago, LASRAB formally launched a digital preservation initiative to modernise the management and safeguarding of the state’s archives. According to Ogunlana, the project is “ensuring the safety and longevity of historical documents while making vital information easily accessible to researchers, students, government institutions, and the general public.”
She explains that the initiative is also focusing on restoring fragile and ageing documents of historical significance, as part of a broader goal to protect the state’s legacy in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The ongoing digital preservation project, now potentially expanding through Wikimedia collaboration, is aligning with a growing global trend where open knowledge platforms are becoming powerful tools for cultural preservation, transparency, and inclusive education.
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