MOWAA publishes 2025 audited accounts and reaffirms commitment to transparency and collaboration

The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has released its 2025 audited financial statements, aimed at providing transparency and fostering informed discussions about the institution's operations. The MOWAA Institute, the first major facility to be completed in November 2025, serves as an archives, research and education center dedicated to West African art, history and material culture.

The Institute's cost, valued at approximately ₦22.26 billion, has been partially funded by a ₦3.95 billion cash donation from the Edo State Government, which accounts for about 10.4 percent of the total funds raised for the institution's development.

For the year ending December 31, 2025, MOWAA reported total revenue of ₦14.011 billion, primarily derived from donations and grants, compared to ₦12.530 billion in 2024. The institution's total expenditure was ₦5.358 billion, comprised of program expenses, support-services expenses, exchange losses, and depreciation. This resulted in a surplus of ₦8.653 billion, which is retained within the organization to support its mission and long-term development.

MOWAA employs 87 people, encompassing direct employment and consultancy roles. The bulk of the funding for the institution comes from philanthropic sources, with donations and grants accounting for about 99 percent of reported revenue. The majority of these funds are sourced from Nigeria (₦7.118 billion) and international partners (₦6.893 billion).

Despite the significant contribution from the Edo State Government, the total cost of the MOWAA Institute and its development remains a fraction of the overall funds raised for the institution's full campus and wider institutional program.