Tinubu commissions renovated national theatre tomorrow

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, officially commission the newly renovated National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, as part of events commemorating Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. The renovation, estimated to cost $100 million, was executed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee as part of their contribution to […]

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, officially commission the newly renovated National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, as part of events commemorating Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

The renovation, estimated to cost $100 million, was executed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee as part of their contribution to national development. The project is regarded as a significant investment in Nigeria’s cultural heritage and creative future.

President Tinubu, who in July 2024 renamed the theatre the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in honour of Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate, will lead an audience of governors, members of the National Assembly, diplomats, industry leaders, cultural icons, academics, and youth leaders to the inauguration ceremony.

In a joint statement, the CBN, the Bankers’ Committee, and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy described the reopening of the theatre as both a celebration of Nigeria’s cultural legacy and a platform for expanding the creative industries.

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While the financing and delivery were undertaken by the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee, the Ministry’s role in programming, policy coordination, and oversight ensures that the facility will function as a national cultural asset.

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso had earlier disclosed that the rehabilitation of the National Theatre goes beyond preservation, noting that it could play a key role in unlocking the country’s creative economy. “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,” he said.

Cardoso also linked the project to economic growth, stressing its potential to drive part of the estimated $25 billion opportunity within Nigeria’s creative sector.

The inauguration will feature artistic performances by the National Troupe and other top talents, with Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka scheduled to deliver special remarks. Cardoso will present the welcome address, while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, will give goodwill messages.

Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State said the newly renovated edifice would serve multiple purposes. “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,” he said.

Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, 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. With this transformation, it now stands ready to host the next era of Nigeria’s cultural and creative renaissance.