Our
Story
About Us
Welcome
When talking about a renaissance, it naturally makes to look at the periods of local and regional art history of our country. No one can deny that there has been significant developments, out of which the National Theatre stands tall and proud. Since its establishment, it has served as a major events venue, relaxation centre and tourists spots for both nationals and foreigners. We have been able to maintain the serenity of the environment over the years through sheer hard work.
Our halls have served as important venues for historic events, meetings and gatherings and the cinema halls have wrapped interesting dramas. These facilities have able to meet the needs of both our Nigerian and foreign guests. We take particular pride in our ability to have preserved the artistic nature of the edifice. Particular appreciation goes to the Federal Government for her massive contributions; and of course the contributions of some corporate organizations, stakeholders and individuals. Though the monument suffered a setback a few years ago due to deterioration of its facilities, the revamp and restoration is currently at advance stage.
Past administrations and management have progressively helped to bring distinction between National Theatre; the edifice and National Theatre; the parastatal. Giving adequate attention to programming other than just venue rentage for events
We are proud to take you on a journey of architectural artistry and splendor as we showcase our state of the arts facilities; A visit you won’t forget in a hurry!
Welcome to National Theatre, Lagos, Nigeria
What We Offer
Diverse facilities and innovations were integrated into the basic structures, so that the halls can be easily transformed to serve required purposes.
As the slogan says, if the event matters to you, The National Theatre is the right place for it… our venue makes your event.
Should you have an event to host, go on and book a hall. Note: You may also be invited for a time out event, live theatre arts etc, be sure to attend; get a ticket. Feel free to get a ticket from our website. Feel free to visit again.
Excursion is indeed a very important and effective means of motivation and engagement in active learning experience; hence schools, especially, are encouraged to participate.
Who We Are
Mandate
Tola Akerele’s visionary approach which has played a pivotal role in propelling organization’s growth and development is brought to bear for the success of National Theatre. Meet the team
Our Vision
The National Theatre of Nigeria by basic description is the NATIONAL HOME OF ENTERTAINMENT.
In view of this, it has been built with facilities and halls for stage performances, film shows art exhibitions, cultural shows, musical performances, conferences, meetings, etc and even indoor sports activities like table tennis, wrestling, boxing, circus shows etc. Given these impressive facilities, it is envisioned that
- the National Theatre will host on a daily basis one form of entertainment or the other. It is a place that should bubble with entertainment activities which must be crowd pulling.
- The stakeholders in the entertainment industry should see the National Theatre as a number one choice where their works can be exhibited to the public not only for financial gain…
Our Mission
The Management is committed to achieving the objectives for which the National Theatre was established, with regard to the presentation, preservation and promotion of arts and culture in Nigeria. As a partially commercialized Federal Government parastatal, it is determined to broaden its mandate by becoming more innovative and adventurous in order to survive in a competitive market.
The National Theatre is, therefore;
- To be customer oriented.
- To recognize the social needs of the society.
- To foster unity and understanding in its heterogeneous community.
- To operate profitably.
- To be able to meet the demands of patrons and members of the public and give the Parastatal a good image at all times.
- To be relevant to the public that it serves.
- To be a tourist attraction
- To contribute to the economic vitality of our nation, while promoting Nigeria as a vibrant cultural destination, and
- To enhance the good image of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
INTRO
National Theatre, Nigeria, is an architectural masterpiece and a cultural landmark located at Iganmu, in the heart of Lagos. It is easily accessible from every corner of the city. Covering an area of about 23,000 square meters and standing well over 31 metter tall, the multipurpose Nation Theatre was established for preservation, presentation and promotion of Arts and Culture in Nigeria.
1973
Programmes
Even though the edifice has been in use since late 1975, it was formally opened by the then head of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Gen Olusegun Obasanjo on September 30, 1975, five months before FESTAC 77. Since then it has hosted a good number of international music concerts, dramas, film shows, symposia, exhibitions, workshops and even sports.
1975
Until 2024
Between 1975 till date, National Theatre has been managed by quite a couple of administrators, General Manager/CEOs and Director General.
2024
The Design
The design for this edifice was taken from the Palace of Culture and Sports in Varna, Bulgaria. The Contract for its construction was signed on April 24, 1973, during Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s regime with the Bulgarians construction company called Technoexportsroy, the main constructors for the building of the complex.
1973
FESTAC 77
Apart from providing a befitting venue for the 2nd World Black African Festival of Arts and Culture [FESTAC 77] which Nigeria successfully hosted in January/February, 1977 and for which the National Theatre provided more than adequate venues, the complex is to be a rallying point for both Nigeria and international artistes wishing to share experience with their Nigerian counterparts.
1977
New headship of Management
Currently (2024), the visionary Tola Akerele assumes the pivotal role as General Manager and Chief Executive Officer succeeding Prof Sunday. E. Ododo, who held the position since 2020.
2024
Facts
The 8726 light points is made up of 1,003 incandescent bulbs and 7723 fluorescent tubes.
There are standby electricity generators aside public power to ensure the success of events. National Theatre can handle up to 12 events simultaneously with sufficient parking space aside the 250 capacity underground car park.
Events
Utility
Excursion
Online
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Edifice Floors
Prof. S.E. Ododo, fsonta, fta, fsna, fana, fnipr,faan,FNAL
Prof. S.E. Ododo, fsonta, fta, fsna, fana, fnipr,faan,FNAL
GM/CEO
Bringing distinction between National Theatre; the edifice and National Theatre; the parastatal. Since assumption of duty as GM/CEO, adequate attention is now being given to programming other than just venue rentage for events
Welcome To This NATIONAL ICON – Get connected to the right programmes
His leadership vision and well-articulated plan of action for the National Theatre is the gradually returning the lost glory of the Headquarters of culture in Nigeria National Theatre. Under his leadership, the National Theatre is enjoying more visibility as he continues to bring theory to practice through innovative programmes and artistic contents most of which are novel as well as noble. He has recorded many ‘firsts’ which include…
Meet the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy
Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa
Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa
Minister of Art, Culture & Creative Economy
She has outlined an 8-point plan to grow Nigeria’s creative economy.
HON. HANNATU MUSA MUSAWA
Hannatu Musawa is the current Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy in Nigeria. She was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023. She has outlined an 8-point plan to grow Nigeria’s creative economy, which includes initiatives such as prioritizing skills development, implementing policy frameworks that stimulate revenue generation and job creation, and safeguarding the creations of artists and content creators through Intellectual Property Protection.
In August 2023, Hannatu Musawa assumed office and expressed her belief that the new Ministry would plough revenue into the coffers of the Federal Government.
SEE MORE of Minister with Current General Manager/CEO National Theatre