This document, published by the United Nations, is one of approximately twenty in a series designed to show how cultural policies are planned and implemented in various Member States. The studies which cover countries belonging to differing social and economic systems, geographical areas and levels of development present a wide variety of approaches and methods in cultural policy. They can, therefore, serve as guidelines to countries which have yet to establish cultural policies. The following three political phases which reflect Nigerian cultural policy are discussed in this study: 1) the precolonial period during which tribal kingdoms or empires existed and under which the ancient art of Nigeria flourished; 2) the period between 1900 and 1960 when Nigeria was under British rule and influence; 3) the current phase: the financing of culture, and an evaluation of cultural needs and development within the context of a cultural policy. This study points out the close interweaving of art and culture in Nigeria. (Author/RM)