Government Policy Framework and Cultural Heritage Preservation: Examining Cultural Assets and Policy Challenges in Calabar Metropolis Cross River State, Nigeria 0 0

Abstract

This study examined government policy framework and cultural heritage preservation in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria, with emphasis on cultural assets and policy challenges. Cultural heritage in Calabar Metropolis, which includes museums, festivals, monuments, and traditional institutions, is increasingly threatened by urbanization, inadequate funding, weak policy implementation, and limited community participation. The study was guided by three specific objectives focusing on the relationship between government-targeted cultural assets, the role of government policies, and the challenges affecting cultural heritage preservation. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Primary data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations, while secondary data were obtained from relevant publications, government reports, and institutional records. The population of the study comprised government officials, cultural stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, artisans, and residents around key heritage sites. A total of one hundred and seventy-two respondents were involved in the study, selected through purposive and cluster sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential methods with statistical support from relevant software tools. Findings revealed that government policy effectiveness is strongly influenced by the identification and prioritization of cultural assets, as well as the level of institutional support provided. The study also found that policy implementation is associated with several challenges, including inadequate resources, weak enforcement, and limited stakeholder collaboration. However, cultural heritage preservation challenges were found to be influenced more by broader systemic governance issues than by the nature of targeted cultural assets alone. The study concludes that effective cultural heritage preservation in Calabar Metropolis depends on strong policy frameworks, adequate funding, improved institutional capacity, and enhanced community involvement.