The iconic National Theatre in Lagos has been given a remarkable transformation, reigniting its status as a cultural landmark and revitalizing its facilities to meet world-class standards. This extensive renovation, which began in July 2021 under the management of the Bankers’ Committee, aims to foster Nigeria’s creative industry by providing a sophisticated platform for arts and cultural events. The redesigned venue, renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, now features a 4,000-seat main hall, a banquet hall with 3,000 seats, updated cinema spaces, VIP areas, and new state-of-the-art facilities, including improved ventilation, fire safety, and extensive modernization of all utilities
Additional enhancements include solar power installations, a 250-car capacity parking lot, CCTV surveillance, themed landscaping, and specialized sound and lighting systems to support large-scale productions. The National Theatre is now poised to host significant cultural events and attract international audiences, restoring Nigeria’s prominence in global arts and culture
This restoration celebrates Nigeria’s rich heritage, with stakeholders highlighting the importance of private-public partnerships in preserving national monuments. The Lagos State government, in collaboration with the private sector, aims to use the theatre as a nucleus for job creation and youth development in the creative sector