National Theatre Lagos remains closed, costing Nigeria billions. Assembly urges urgent reopening to boost tourism and creative economy revenue
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy has called on the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to urgently reopen and fully operationalise the National Theatre in Lagos.
The warning came during a session on Thursday, February 20, 2026, highlighting billions of naira in lost revenue from the dormant facility.
Senator Ogoshi Onawo, Chairman of the joint committee and representative of Nasarawa South, expressed concern over the prolonged inactivity of the iconic cultural complex.
He described the theatre as a wasted economic asset that should be driving tourism revenue and creating jobs.
“When the cultural industry thrived during the Hubert Ogunde era, the National Troupe won accolades across the world, attracting significant investment,” Onawo said. “Now that the National Theatre has been handed over by the Bankers’ Committee, what is delaying its reopening? Billions of naira are being lost daily.”
Built in 1976 and commissioned in 1977 for the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC), the National Theatre remains one of Nigeria’s most recognisable cultural landmarks.
The complex features a 5,000-seat main auditorium, exhibition halls, rehearsal studios, and conference facilities. For decades, it hosted major stage productions, concerts, and international cultural events.
Despite its strategic location, years of neglect and underinvestment have left the theatre underutilised.
In 2020, the Federal Government approved its renovation under a public-private partnership backed by the Bankers’ Committee, aiming to transform the site into a modern creative hub with film, fashion, and music facilities.
Onawo also criticised Nigeria’s tourism performance, noting that countries with fewer natural and cultural assets generate significantly higher revenue.
He highlighted the Argungu Fishing Festival in Kebbi State, Yankari Game Reserve, and Obudu Cattle Ranch as underutilised assets capable of boosting tourism and national revenue if modernised.
Responding, Minister Hannatu Musawa cited funding constraints and proposed a N1 trillion allocation for the ministry in 2026 to support tourism and creative economy growth.
Onawo suggested an even more ambitious investment of N1 trillion to N5 trillion to accelerate sector transformation and reduce dependence on federal allocations.
“With sufficient investment over the next two to three years, the tourism and creative sector could become self-sustaining and significantly contribute to national revenue,” Onawo added.
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