President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Wednesday, 1 October 2025, inaugurate the newly renovated National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, as part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
The renovation, undertaken by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee, represents what officials describe as a major investment in the nation’s cultural heritage and creative economy.
The edifice, which Tinubu renamed in July 2024 as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in honour of Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate, will host an array of distinguished guests, including state governors, lawmakers, diplomats, captains of industry, cultural ambassadors, academics, and youth leaders.
In a joint statement, the CBN, the Bankers’ Committee, and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy emphasised that the reopening “is both a celebration of Nigeria’s cultural legacy and a launchpad for the creative industries.” The statement added that while the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee financed the project, the Ministry will play a central role in programming, policy alignment, and stewardship of the facility.
The ceremony will feature performances by the National Troupe and other leading artists, with Prof. Wole Soyinka expected to deliver special remarks. CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso will give the welcome address, while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, will present goodwill messages.
Governor Cardoso described the project as a landmark achievement. “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.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the rejuvenated theatre would serve multiple purposes. “The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts will not only showcase arts, tourism, and culture but also stand as a world-class venue for global conferences and performances,” the governor stated.
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Minister Musawa highlighted the symbolic value of the project, calling it “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.”
The overhaul includes advanced audio-visual and stage engineering systems, upgraded fire safety measures, solar power integration, 17 new passenger lifts, a modern HVAC system, refurbished interiors, and restored historic artworks. Officials say the upgrades bring the theatre to international standards.
Originally constructed during General Yakubu Gowon’s regime and completed in 1976 under General Olusegun Obasanjo, the National Theatre gained global recognition after hosting FESTAC ’77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture.
