Architectural heritage conservation in recent years has hinged on conventional methods and has failed to recognize innovative methods and emerging technologies. Consequently, in Nigeria, suboptimal conservation work results in the continual deterioration of architectural heritage, leading to the loss of heritage and its values and significance. The study, therefore, sought to examine challenges and prospects for implementing innovative techniques in the conservation of architectural heritage in Nigeria. The study examined three heritage conservation interventions in Nigeria, focusing on the applicability of innovative conservation methods for documentation, diagnosis, and treatment of deterioration of architectural heritage. Questionnaires were administered through purposive sampling to 40 heritage conservation professionals, with 31 (77.5%) completed and returned for analysis. A Cronbach’s alpha reliability test value of 0.76 established the validity of the research instrument. The findings affirmed that heritage professionals have low familiarity (mean value of 2.19) with innovative techniques for conservation of architectural heritage. Of the respondents, 41.9% had gained a minimal level of technical knowledge of how to implement innovative techniques in conservation interventions. Improving the performance of conservation interventions also ranked highly as a potential strength of implementing innovative techniques. Conclusively, there is a need to improve advocacy and training in innovative conservation techniques based on their ability to characterize architectural heritage materials and investigate their chemical composition, microstructure, and morphological features.

In recent years, the call for the return of Africa’s tangible cultural heritage has increased, leading to the repatriation of cultural objects, and Nigeria is no exception. Amidst the growing demands for the restitution of Africa’s cultural heritage objects, post-restitution conservation is rarely incorporated into restitution plans despite its critical role in ensuring sustainable care and interpretation. There is a need to give this negligence utmost attention not only for the purpose of preserving the objects but also because holding institutions refuse to return objects, claiming that there is poor conservation capacity in Africa. This paper explores the limitations of some Western conservation methods in the Nigerian context using the National Museum, Lagos, as a case study. It discusses how effective indigenous knowledge systems and community engagement can be included in the conservation strategies of Nigerian museums. The present study used a qualitative method to identify the gaps in post-restitution conservation with a theoretical framework based on ‘Third Space’ and ‘Contact Zone’ concepts. The outcome of the research showed that repatriated objects can be conserved in the National Museum, Lagos. A hybrid conservation approach and collaboration with holding institutions were recommended for sustainable post-repatriation conservation.