As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2025, the nation will also celebrate the rebirth of one of its most iconic cultural landmarks — the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.
President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to inaugurate the newly renovated facility, which he renamed in July 2024 as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, in honour of the Nobel Laureate. The ceremony will draw an audience of state governors, lawmakers, diplomats, cultural ambassadors, captains of industry, academics, and youth leaders.
In a joint statement, the CBN, Bankers’ Committee, and the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy underscored the reopening as both a celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy and a launchpad for its creative future.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee, spearheaded the renovation, a bold investment estimated at over N65 billion. The project, executed as part of their commitment to giving back to the nation, aims to position the theatre as both a cultural showcase and an engine for Nigeria’s creative economy.
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso described the project as a “major driver” for unlocking the country’s estimated $25 billion creative sector potential. “This is not just an edifice; it represents our history and culture,” he said. “The transformation of this landmark into a world-class facility is a testament to the Nigerian spirit.”
Originally built under the Yakubu Gowon regime and completed in 1976 during General Olusegun Obasanjo’s government, the National Theatre famously hosted FESTAC ’77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture. Nearly five decades later, it is being reintroduced to the world with global-standard upgrades.
The renovations include a fully overhauled HVAC system, enhanced fire safety installations, new electrical, water, and sewage systems, advanced audio-video-lighting technology, and world-class stage engineering. The project also delivered 17 new passenger lifts, solar power integration, refurbished interiors and furniture, and restored historic artworks across the façade and inside the complex.
According to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the renewed space will serve far more than artistic purposes. “The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts will not only showcase arts, tourism, and culture, but will also serve as a world-class venue for global conferences and performances,” he said.
The inauguration will be marked with performances by the National Troupe and other leading artists, alongside goodwill messages from Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa. Professor Wole Soyinka himself is expected to deliver special remarks.
Musawa described the renovation as “a gift to the nation and a source of pride,” adding that the milestone demonstrates Nigeria’s resolve to preserve cultural heritage while building new opportunities for its booming creative industries.
