The director-general of the National Gallery of Art (NGA), Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, has highlighted the key achievements of 2025, marking it as a transformative year for the institution. These efforts were primarily focused on revitalizing Nigeria's national art collection and enhancing its role in cultural diplomacy. A press release indicated that the NGA has significantly strengthened its relevance within the national cultural landscape through targeted initiatives.

Sodangi elaborated on the dedicated efforts towards the national art collection, which included strategic discussions concerning its documentation, valuation, preservation, and public engagement. These measures have successfully re-contextualized the collection's narrative, making it more accessible and appreciated. Furthermore, the NGA has actively pursued institutional partnerships, collaborating with various cultural organizations, festivals, corporate entities, and influential stakeholders within the creative sector. These collaborations have cemented the NGA's position as a central hub for artistic cooperation, greatly expanding its capacity for program delivery and resource mobilization.

Through these strategic initiatives, the NGA aims to enrich cultural dialogue and foster broader public engagement in the arts. This concerted effort is designed to elevate the status and appreciation of Nigeria's rich artistic heritage on both local and international stages. Sodangi particularly stressed that active participation in national and international cultural events, exhibitions, and diplomatic engagements has substantially increased the visibility of both the NGA and Nigeria's visual arts ecosystem, thereby reinforcing the institution's crucial role in cultural diplomacy.

The NGA has also effectively leveraged media and digital platforms to enhance public awareness of its activities. Through curated storytelling approaches and consistent documentation, the institution has strengthened its branding and cultivated greater public engagement. Sodangi reaffirmed the NGA's commitment to championing Nigerian artists across generations, supporting exhibitions and programs that celebrate historical artistic legacies while simultaneously amplifying contemporary voices.

Regarding Policy Alignment and the Creative Economy, Sodangi confirmed that the NGA's programs and engagements are purposefully aligned with national policy objectives in culture, tourism, and the creative economy. This strategic alignment positions art as a vital catalyst for economic growth and nation-building. Looking ahead, Sodangi stated, "2025 has been a crucial year for us. It has allowed the National Gallery of Art to refocus, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with the communities we serve. As we turn our attention toward 2026, we aim to implement practical solutions that facilitate artists' cross-border mobility and create direct pathways for artists to reach the markets that need their work. These steps are essential for the sustainable thriving of Nigerian art, both domestically and internationally."