The National Theatre in Lagos is undergoing a remarkable transformation, thanks to the intervention of the Bankers’ Committee. The iconic cultural landmark is being revived to its former glory and beyond, with the aim of creating a world-class creative and entertainment hub.
The ambitious project, which began in July 2021 following federal government approval, has seen extensive renovations to the facilities. The entire Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system has been replaced, fire safety standards upgraded, and power, water supply, and sewage systems have all been replaced. The interior design has been upgraded with the installation of Audio Video Lighting (AVL), a world-class stage engineering system, 11 lifts, solar power, new furniture for spaces, and restoration of artworks including those on the internal wall panels and the building façade.
The renovation works cover different spaces, including the 4,000-seater main bowl, over 3,000-seater banquet hall, two exhibition halls, three cinemas, VIP spaces, actors’ changing rooms, an industrial kitchen, over 300 new toilet cubicles, a clinic, fire station, and lobbies within the four National Theatre entrances. Extensive roof repairs have also been carried out.
The Bankers’ Committee aims to unlock opportunities for Nigeria’s youth in the arts sector and potentially boost job creation, income generation, and foreign exchange earnings through this project.
Speaking on the Bankers’ Committee’s restoration of the National Theatre, Mr Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc. (GTCo) said, “I don’t think there are many countries in Africa that have the talent that we have in entertainment and the arts. All you can do when you have talented people, is to give them a platform to showcase their best. We will try to give a platform, where Nigerians who are in my opinion the best, have a chance to show the world that they are the best….”
The National Theatre was constructed by the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon and completed in 1976 by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration. The completion coincided with the hosting of the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77) in January 1977.
The restored National Theatre is expected to become a platform for showcasing Nigeria’s immense talent in entertainment and the arts.