The Role of Government Policies in Preservation of Cultural Heritage in Calabar Metropolis of Cross River State, Nigeria

This study examined the role of government policies in the preservation of cultural heritage in Calabar. The study specifically identified the cultural heritage assets targeted by government preservation initiatives and assessed the role of government policies in safeguarding cultural heritage within the study area. A mixedmethods research design was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were obtained from both primary and secondary sources through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary materials. The study population comprised government tourism officials, cultural stakeholders, and community council elders, from which a sample size of 86 respondents was selected using purposive and cluster sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Findings revealed that traditional festivals (16.3%), traditional dances (11.6%), indigenous foods and dressing (10.5% respectively) were the most targeted cultural assets under government preservation initiatives, while oral traditions, sacred sites, and communal spaces received comparatively lower attention. The study further showed that government policies play significant roles through legislation against the destruction of cultural sites (15.1%), provision of funds for cultural activities (14.0%), and support for traditional festivals (12.8%). Correlation analysis indicated a strong positive relationship between government-targeted cultural assets and policy roles in heritage preservation (R = 0.853; p < 0.001). The study concludes that although government policies contribute significantly to cultural preservation and tourism development, preservation efforts remain uneven and insufficiently inclusive. The study therefore recommends stronger community participation, improved funding, balanced preservation strategies, and enhanced policy implementation for sustainable cultural heritage management.