President Bola Tinubu is set to officially reopen the newly refurbished National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, on Independence Day.
This announcement was made on Monday in a statement released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The theatre’s renovation was spearheaded by the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee as part of their effort to contribute to national development and invest in Nigeria’s cultural legacy and creative industry.
The statement noted that Tinubu—who renamed the facility the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in July 2024 to honour the Nobel Laureate—will headline the event, which will be attended by state governors, National Assembly members, diplomats, industry leaders, scholars, cultural icons, and youth representatives.
The CBN, the Bankers’ Committee, and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, in the statement, noted that the theatre’s reopening was both a celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy and a launchpad for its creative industries.
While the renovation was financed and delivered by the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee, the Ministry’s partnership in programming, policy alignment, and stewardship of Nigeria’s cultural ecosystem ensures that the rejuvenated National Theatre will serve as a truly national asset.
The reopening will feature performances by the National Troupe and other leading artists, along with special remarks from Professor Wole Soyinka. CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso will deliver the welcome address, with goodwill messages from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
Upgrades to the facility included a completely overhauled HVAC system, enhanced fire safety measures, new electrical, water, and sewage systems, advanced audio-video-lighting technology, world-class stage engineering, 17 new passenger lifts, solar power integration, refurbished interiors and furniture, and the restoration of historic artworks across the façade and interiors.
Ahead of the inauguration, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso noted, “This is not just an edifice; it represents our history and culture. The transformation of this landmark into a world-class facility is a testament to the Nigerian spirit.”
Sanwo-Olu said, “The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts (National Theatre) will not only showcase arts, tourism, and culture, but will also serve as a world-class venue for global conferences and performances.”
Minister Hannatu Musawa described the project as “a gift to the nation and a source of pride. The successful renovation of the National Theatre marks a milestone in our collective effort to preserve cultural assets while creating new opportunities for the creative industry.
Originally constructed under the Yakubu Gowon military regime and completed in 1976 under General Olusegun Obasanjo, the National Theatre famously hosted FESTAC ’77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture.
