President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will inaugurate the newly renovated National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, as part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations.
The project, executed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee, marks a major investment in the nation’s cultural heritage and creative industries.
In July 2024, President Tinubu renamed the theatre the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, in honour of the Nobel Laureate.
The inauguration will bring together state governors, members of the National Assembly, the diplomatic corps, cultural ambassadors, industry leaders, and youth representatives.
A joint statement from the CBN, the Bankers’ Committee, and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy highlighted the theatre’s reopening as both a celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy and a platform to boost the country’s creative economy.
While the CBN and Bankers’ Committee financed and executed the renovation, the Ministry will oversee programming and ensure the theatre serves as a national cultural hub.
The event will feature performances by the National Troupe and other prominent artists, with special remarks from Prof. Wole Soyinka.
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso will deliver the welcome address, accompanied by goodwill messages from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Minister Hannatu Musawa.
Key upgrades to the facility include a modern HVAC system, enhanced fire safety, upgraded electrical and plumbing systems, advanced audio-visual and lighting technology, world-class stage engineering, 17 new passenger lifts, solar power integration, refurbished interiors, and restored historic artworks.
“This is not just an edifice; it represents our history and culture,” said CBN Governor Cardoso, emphasizing the theatre’s significance as a world-class facility.
Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the centre will showcase Nigeria’s arts and culture while hosting global conferences and performances.
Minister Musawa described the renovation as “a gift to the nation and a source of pride” that will create opportunities for the creative sector.
Originally built under the Yakubu Gowon regime and completed in 1976 during General Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, the National Theatre famously hosted FESTAC ’77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture.
With its transformation, the theatre is now poised to lead Nigeria into a new era of cultural and creative renaissance.
