The National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, currently undergoing a major renovation, will be renamed the “Lagos Creative and Entertainment Centre” upon completion, the Federal Government has announced.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, during the signing of a bilateral agreement in Madrid, Spain, for Nigeria’s hosting of the first Global Conference on Cultural Tourism and the Creative Industry. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the agreement, signed between Nigeria and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) at its headquarters, paves the way for the global conference to be the inaugural event hosted at the newly refurbished National Theatre from November 14 to 17.
According to Mohammed, “Nigeria will be hosting the event at the National Theatre in Lagos, which is currently being renovated at a cost of $100 million under a partnership between the Federal Government and the Bankers’ Committee/Central Bank of Nigeria.” He emphasized that this is the first extensive renovation of the National Theatre in over four decades, transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility. In addition, new creative hubs are being constructed within the National Theatre premises to support the fashion, information technology, film, and music industries, aligning with its new designation as the Lagos Creative and Entertainment Centre.
The minister further noted that a Lagos surface rail system, designed to serve the National Theatre, would be commissioned ahead of the global conference. He highlighted the signing of the bilateral agreement as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to hosting the event and called on contractors handling the reconstruction project to ensure prompt completion.
To ensure readiness, Mohammed, accompanied by key stakeholders, recently inspected the ongoing renovations at the National Theatre. The inspection team included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, and Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare. The minister expressed confidence that the National Theatre would be fully prepared in time to host the global conference.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Mr. Ademola Seriki, who also serves on the Board of Directors of the company managing the reconstruction of the National Theatre, assured that the project would be completed before the event. He thanked the UNWTO for selecting Nigeria to host the maiden global conference, stating that it would enhance the country’s reputation and affirm its leadership in music, theatre, and entertainment across Africa.
Accompanying the minister to the signing ceremony was Mr. Folorunsho Coker, Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation. The National Theatre, an iconic center for performing arts, was established to preserve, present, and promote Nigerian arts and culture. Built in 1976 to prepare for the Festival of Arts and Culture in 1977, the National Theatre has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
With its transformation into the Lagos Creative and Entertainment Centre, the National Theatre is poised to reclaim its status as a premier destination for cultural tourism and creative arts in Nigeria and beyond.
Judith Iyoh writes fashion, lifestyle and real estate investment.
