- National Theatre in Lagos has been officially restored by the Bankers' Committee to harness the creative sector's potential for Nigeria’s youth
- The newly completed project is expected to generate numerous employment opportunities, drive economic growth, and enhance foreign exchange earnings
- Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Bankers' Committee representatives commended the restoration as a significant cultural and economic asset
The National Theatre has officially been restored and upgraded, as announced by the Bankers' Committee, following the Federal Government's approval and the formal transfer of the Theatre to the Committee.
The committee highlighted that the restoration began in July 2021 and was inspired by a vision to tap into the creative sector’s immense potential for Nigeria’s growing youth population.
Mr Abubakar Suleiman, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank Group and a representative of the Bankers’ Committee, reflected on the project's magnitude during a visit to the facility on Wednesday, August 28, in Lagos.
Suleiman, Sanwo-Olu, Araoye commend project
He said, “Initially, we were taken aback by the magnitude of the work required, but we were equally inspired by the possibilities it presented. This project stands as one of the largest of its kind on the continent.
“The renovation of the National Theatre by the Bankers’ Committee exemplifies the power of patriotism and collective responsibility. It showcases what can be accomplished when the private sector collaborates with both the Federal and Lagos State governments to rejuvenate national monuments and assets,” Suleiman added.
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the renovation, noting, “Upon completion, the Wole Soyinka Center for Culture and the Creative Arts (National Theatre) will not only serve as a venue for arts, tourism, and culture but will also become a significant site for international conferences and world-class performances.”
The project was described by Mrs Kafilat Araoye, Managing Director of Lotus Bank Ltd and a spokesperson for the Bankers’ Committee, as a “rebirth of a national treasure and a restoration of our culture and heritage.”
Project’s aim is to drive economic growth, others
The revamped National Theatre, when fully operational, will be positioned to generate numerous employment opportunities, drive income growth, and bolster foreign exchange earnings. It will transform into a dynamic venue for creativity and entertainment, offering valuable community spaces where young Nigerians can explore and succeed.
The broad renovation effort transformed various critical sections of the Theatre. The upgrades included a 4,000-seat main auditorium, a 3,000-seat banquet facility, two exhibition halls, three cinema rooms, VIP lounges, actors' dressing areas, an industrial kitchen, over 300 newly added restrooms, a clinic, a fire station, and renovated lobbies at each of the Theatre’s four access points. The roof also received important structural enhancements.
Key upgrades include 17 elevators, solar energy installations, others
The National Theatre, originally constructed during General Yakubu Gowon’s military regime and completed in 1976 during Olusegun Obasanjo’s presidency, was inaugurated in January 1977 to host the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77).
The latest restoration has revitalised this landmark, ensuring it remains a prominent centre for cultural and artistic excellence.
The renovation included a full upgrade of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as well as improvements in fire safety, power infrastructure, and water and sewage systems.
The interior was redefined with advanced Audio Video Lighting (AVL) systems, high-quality stage engineering, 17 elevators, solar energy installations, new furniture, and restored artwork on the interior walls and façade.
On the exterior, the project encompassed the refurbishment of three entrance gatehouses, the creation of four themed gardens, a new parking facility for 250 cars, a ring road, and the addition of external street lighting and CCTV cameras.
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