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Tag: National Arts Theatre

  • Boosting $1tr economy target with N68b National Arts Theatre remodeling expenditure

    Boosting $1tr economy target with N68b National Arts Theatre remodeling expenditure

    The renovation of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture & Creative Arts (National Arts Theatre) with N68 billion by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-led Bankers’ Committee opens a new chapter for global relevance for Nigeria’s arts and culture. The project championed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee opens new opportunities for financial institutions to invest and support the Federal Government’s vision of a $1 trillion economy. For the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, the investment remains one of Bankers Committee’s deliberate investment in Nigeria’s cultural future, reports Assistant Editor, Collins Nweze

    Investment in arts and culture always brings great benefits to domestic economies. That explains why the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-led Bankers’ Committee’s commitment to the creative economy has never been in doubt.

    That commitment was brought to fore when the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture & Creative Arts (National Arts Theatre) was reopened in Iganmu, Lagos.

    The event, attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was opportunity to highlight CBN’s commitment to private sector-led investment in the arts and culture space.

    Cardoso had lauded the role of the Bankers’ Committee in bringing back the moribund national edifice back to life.

    President Tinubu further directed Cardoso to float National Arts Theatre Endowment Fund that would ensure continuous maintenance of the national edifice.

    He promised to contribute to the fund to ensure the edifice is continuously maintained.

    The event was attended by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa and other dignitaries.

    President Tinubu said there was no controversy in the National Theatre renaming Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture & Creative Arts, adding that he considered Prof. Wole Soyinka’s contributions to the arts and culture.

    “Prof. Wole Soyinka is one of the greatest assets of the world. So, the renaming could not have gone to anyone else,” he said.

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    President Tinubu advised that Nigerians stop talking about Nigeria in a negative way. “Let us all come together to rebuild Nigeria. The youths should also renew their hope in Nigeria and work together for her continued greatness,” he said.

    Funding commitment from Bankers’ Committee Cardoso said the Bankers’ Committee committed N68 billion into the remodeling of the National Arts Theatre.

    “The Central Bank of Nigeria, the Bankers’ Committee, the Lagos State Government, and the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy came together with a shared purpose to deliver this national project, with the Bankers’ Committee alone committing approximately N68 billion, not as corporate social responsibility but as a deliberate investment in Nigeria’s cultural future,” Cardoso said.

    He said that the project stands as proof that when the public and private sectors unite behind a shared national purpose, there is no limit to what Nigeria can achieve.

    He disclosed that 65 years after our nation’s founding, Nigeria’s creative spirit remains alive, pervasive, and shaping global culture.

    “This edifice has stood for nearly half a century as a proud symbol of our heritage. Completed in 1976 and inaugurated at FESTAC ’77, it became a beacon of African creativity and a repository of our shared history,” he said.

    He said that in 2020, the Federal Government approved a landmark public–private collaboration: the transfer of the Theatre and its estate into a special partnership with the Central Bank, on behalf of the Bankers’ Committee.

    “What began as an ambitious vision to reimagine an aging monument as a world-class creative hub has today become a stunning reality. The journey was not without challenges. Structural complexities, contractual issues, and even the global pandemic extended the timeline far beyond expectations,” he said.

    “ This was a project especially close to the President’s heart, and it was his vision that transformed it from a restoration into a symbol of national renewal. By renaming the National Arts Theatre as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in July 2024, President Tinubu charted a bold course to place creativity at the heart of Nigeria’s renaissance,” he said.

    Cardoso explained that the Wole Soyinka Centre is more than a renovation; it is a rebirth.

    “Its iconic silhouette has been preserved while delivering world-class performance halls, cinema spaces, exhibition galleries, an African literature library, rehearsal rooms, media and medical facilities, and fully modernised infrastructure. The surrounding grounds now offer gardens, outdoor exhibition areas, upgraded access, and seamless integration with the Lagos Blue Line rail, placing culture at the heart of city life,” he said.

    Nobel Laurette, Prof. Wole Soyinka, said that before the renovation of the edifice, he thought it was irredeemable but the Bankers’ Committee made me to eat my words.

    He said the Bankers’ Committee had done a great job, and brought the edifice to global standards.

    He said that with the recreation of the edifice, Nigerians can now watch Africa Theatre at home instead of travelling abroad,” he said.

    The journey so far

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the handing over of the National Arts Theatre to the Bankers’ Committee by the Federal Government was signed in February 2021, and had initial completion timeline of 15 months, and estimated cost of N21.3 billion

    Themed the ‘Lagos Creative and Entertainment Centre’, the project  is expected to restore the glory of an iconic building by aligning most of the fabric and equipment and facilities in the building with the aesthetics of the 21st century.

    Cardoso had earlier commended the work done and the vision that has repositioned the Theatre to a world class status.

    He said: “Well, firstly, it is highly commendable what we are seeing here today. One has to commend the vision and resources of the Bankers’ Committee for doing this. It has been a long, hard road, and if it was not for the belief and the commitment of those sponsors, this would never be realized.”He explained that it would have been a great disservice to the country if this was not achieved, because embedded in the theatre is a lot of the history and culture of the Nigerian people.

    He said the Bankers’ Committee had a vision, and were determined to surmount all the obstacles in getting the theatre to where it is today.

    “For me as a Lagosian, I grew up here, and saw this in 1977 when we had FESTAC and subsequent times, we used to come here to have different events and activities and we were very proud of what we had as Lagosians. Sadly, the edifice, which was iconic at a time, fell into a state of abandonment,” he said.

    “So, to have been able to live today, to see this massive transformation to a world class structure is again a testimony to the Nigerian spirit. For those who are going to be using the edifice and those whom it is home to their profession, it is a giant step forward. It is something that we all as Nigerians should be extremely proud of,” he added.

    He said the difficult work on the theatre has already been done, adding that not just the Bankers’ Committee, but all Nigerians should take pride in defending the Theatre.

    “This is a very, very, very major reflection. And when you go around and you see, and some of you have toured already, you will see that a lot of our culture is embedded in the structures here. So, it is beyond just an edifice. It is what it represents.”

    “Going forward, I am very certain that the partnership that has taken place between the private sector and public sector that has resulted in this, that spirit, in conjunction with the Nigerian people, will take us to the next level,” he said.

    The Bankers’ Committee also, funded the prototype cluster located to the north of the National Arts Theatre, labelled the “Signature Cluster” consisting of a building each for Music, Film, Fashion and Information Technology verticals.

    The main contractor for the project is Cappa & D’Alberto Limited while the  Electrical Sub Contractor is being handled by Nairda Limited, and VACC Limited is in charge of the Mechanical Sub Contractor.

    The aim is to deliver a successful Creative and Entertainment city that will encourage additional investment into Nigeria’s creative industry.

    According to the Bankers’ Committee, a portion of the site was earmarked for the construction of the “Signature Cluster”, which consists of one building each for Fashion, Music, Film and IT.

    The committee, said each structure was uniquely designed to function independently, yet providing the opportunity for extensive collaborations between the different creative communities.

    The 44-hectare site adjourning the National Theatre will be developed and utilised for the development of purpose-built creative hubs for the Fashion Industry, Music and Film as well as Information Technology (IT).

    The Bankers Committee said the project will deliver a successful Creative and Entertainment city that will encourage additional investment into Nigeria’s creative industry.

    National Arts Theatre in brief

    The National Arts Theatre stands as one of Nigeria’s most iconic landmarks. Analysts believe the project will open financing opportunities for commercial banks when activities fully commence after the renovation.

    On October 5, 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari approved the reconstruction of the National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, into a world-class convention center for the development of the creative sector in diverse areas, including entertainment, movies, music, fashion, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

    As the initial investment in the creative industry, the government expects to create at least 1 million jobs when the project begins operations.

    In 2022, the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee collectively agreed to invest over N65 billion to rehabilitate the National Arts Theatre and restore it to its former glory. This effort has been carried out in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture (FMIC), the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, and the Lagos State Government.

    Analysts said banks have opportunity to finance activities at the National Theatre but that depends how it is managed. According to them, there would be a lot of activities such as cultural, training schools, events, and skill development, among other activities that will require banks involvement.

    According to the analyst, the reopening of Nigeria’s National Theatre (now the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts) is economically significant by potentially generating billions in foreign exchange and jobs for the creative sector, acting as a powerful signal for public-private collaboration, boosting tourism, creating infrastructure for global conferences, and stimulating associated businesses through increased audience and visitor activity.

    Interestingly, they cited the economic impact and revenue generation opportunities it portends.

    In terms of foreign exchange inflows, the revitalised creative industry has the potential to generate $25 billion, with the National Theatre serving as a catalyst for this growth and foreign exchange.

    They said the expanded role of the creative sector, supported by the theatre, is projected to create millions of jobs, just as the facility will serve as a major cultural hub, attracting national and international tourists, boosting the local economy through accommodation, dining, and shopping.

    In the area of infrastructure, the theatre has been upgraded with modern audio-visual technology, enhanced safety systems, and world-class performance and conference spaces, attracting high-profile events and festivals.

    The project is a model for successful public-private collaboration, where the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee invested significantly thus proving that unified national efforts can achieve major outcomes.

    The centre will serve as a physical space to nurture and elevate the skills of young creatives and artists, enabling them to compete globally.

    As a catalyst for growth, its offshoots such as productions and events at the theatre will draw large audiences, leading to increased business for hotels, restaurants, and local shops, thereby fostering overall community prosperity.

    The cinema halls and large main hall are expected to host Nollywood premieres, global film showcases, and international conferences, positioning Nigeria as a cultural powerhouse.

    The project represents more than just a building; it is a symbol of Nigeria’s cultural revival and a powerful signal of the nation’s potential for economic growth, inspiring further investments in the sector.

  • Nigeria’s Ghetto Award to celebrate hidden talents at Ajegunle

    Blackwaves Promotion Nigeria Limited, an entertainment and show-biz outfit, would be celebrating some identified hidden talents during its maiden edition on May 11, 2019.

    The programme tagged: Nigeria Ghetto Award (NGA) is slated to hold at the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu.

    The chief patron of Blackwaves Promotion, Ralph Agbogu, said this on Thursday at a news conference in Lagos.

    He said that the award would be used to recognize people who had weathered the ugly circumstances, stigma and all odds associated with being born and raised in the ghettos to become achievers and pacesetters in their chosen fields.

    He said, “Our mandate is to discover and showcase hidden talents in every area of the country to the world.

    “Our focus will mainly be on the ghettos and rural communities where talents abound.”

    Agbogu said that the selection of Ajegunle as the focus of the event was deliberate because of its symbolic nature.

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    “There is no other place that will have served our objective better than Ajegunle, which to us, represents a ghetto city.

    “Ajegunle by our estimation is the number one ghetto in the country, being a suburb of Nigeria’s centre of excellence.

    “Ghettos are like furnaces that bring out the best in metals,” Agbogu said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that awards would  be given to individuals who had made positive impacts in  music, arts and movies, football, banking, journalism and other professions.

    The main ceremony would be preceded by a mini exhibition where budding artistes, companies and sponsors would showcase their products and services.

    Agbogu also said that on May 4, 2019, a week before the award, there would be a ”Ghetto Walkout” when stakeholders and supporters would trek from the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu to the National Stadium in Surulere.

    “The essence of this is to keep fit and create more awareness on the forthcoming award.

    “We will also ensure that all participants are safe in order to have a hitch-free exercise,” he said.

    NAN also reports that renowned reggae musician, Daddy Showkey, described as `the father of Ghetto celebrities’ is the ambassador of NGA.

    NAN

  • Workers protest proposed sale of National Theatre

    Workers protest proposed sale of National Theatre

    Workers at the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos on Tuesday embarked on a peaceful protest against the proposed sale of the national monument and other Federal Government facilities.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workers carried placards with various inscriptions expressing their opposition to the proposed sale of the national assets.

    The National Theatre workers blamed the dwindling fortunes of the 40-year-old monument on negligence and corrupt practices of past managers.

    Ben Akabueze, Director General, Budget Office, recently announced that the assets would be sold to generate revenue to finance the country’s budget for the next three years.

    The inscriptions on the placards included: “National Theatre can work, we need repairs and not sale.’’

    Others were, “the theatre community says no to sale of the theatre. National Theatre must stay’’ and “government wants to sell our culture, it’s a shame. No, No, National Theatre must stay.’’

    Speaking during the protest, Mr Dayo Akogun, Branch Chairman, Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) condemned the proposed sale of the theatre.

    Akogun said that corruption and bad management were responsible for the bad state of the monument.

    “If the challenges in the system are tackled, the National Theatre can work effectively and generate funds.

    “We need managers that will help us attract patronage rather than promote its sale,’’ he said.

    Mr Dare Durosimi, Lagos State Chairman, Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) said government should rather tackle challenges affecting the monument instead of selling it.

    Durosimi said that RATTAWU was not in support of the proposed sale and would support AUPCTRE’s decision to campaign against it.

    NAN reports that the National Theatre has seven banquet halls that could accommodate between 650 and 5,000 and all the lights, water and air-conditioners were functioning effectively.

    The management has further employed security guards, including Civil Defence personnel, to secure the environment.

    NAN, however, reports that the premises were overgrown with weeds.

  • Govt to sell TBS, Arts Theatre, others

    Govt to sell TBS, Arts Theatre, others

    •Monuments to go for budget funding

    THE Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), the National Arts Theatre and some selected power plants under the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) are part of the key national assets the Federal Government has concluded plans to sell, House of Representatives’ members were told yesterday.

    The purpose of the proposed sale is to generate sufficient revenue to finance the country’s annual budgets for the next three years (2018-2020).

    Director General of Budget Office Ben Akabueze, who told the House of Representatives Joint Committees on 2018-2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF)/ Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) about the plan, noted that the Federal Government’s non-core assets from the mines and steel sector like houses and estates are part of items slated for sale.

    According to Akabueze, items for the 2018 budget would be financed from the revenue garnered from sales of the key government assets as well as national parks.

    He said proceeds from the privatisation of the assets would be used to finance the budget deficit of N2.005 trillion, much of which will be financed through domestic and foreign borrowings, adding that the aspect had been factored into the 2018 budget.

    The country, he said, was generating too little revenue, hence it was expedient to borrow.

    The Director General of Budget Office added that the reverse would be the case, if actually the assets were generating revenues.

    “We are generating too little revenue, hence we are borrowing. If we generate enough, borrowing ratio will drop,” he said.

    However, chairman of the joint committee, Babaginda Aliu, frowned at the absence of five Federal Government agencies he described as critical to the 2018 budget consideration and passage, which were invited to the session.

    He noted that notwithstanding the late submission of the MTEF/ Fiscal Strategy Paper, the committee was committed to streamline its activities  to pass the document and ensure the budget is passed in record time.

    The Minister of State for Budget and Planning, Hajia Zaniab Ahmed, representative of the Governor of Central Bank, Adelabu R.A. and Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) Dr. Tunde Fowler made presentations during the session.

    Also present were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance Alhaji Mohammed Isa Dutse, who represented the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; and the Comptroller-General of Customs Col Hameed Ali was represented by Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of T&T, Alu S.R.

     

  • National Arts Theatre’ll be ready for AMAA 2017 — Lagos govt

    National Arts Theatre’ll be ready for AMAA 2017 — Lagos govt

    Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday said his administration has concluded plans to begin a total revamping of the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos by next month to prepare for the 2017 Africa Movies Academic Awards (AMAA) ceremony holding in the state later in the year.

    The governor who spoke when he played host to officials of AMAA led by its president, Mrs. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe at the Lagos House, Ikeja, expressed optimism that the plan to upgrade the theatre to a world class standard would serve as a viable venue for the AMAA event when completed.

    “I want to also say that I am very particular about the venue of the AMAA.  So,  we would use everything possible to make sure that the National Arts Theatre is ready. We are in a process and before the month ends, we should have something to start with within the first week of April to getting the whole place ready,” he said.

    Alluding to the fact that Lagos would turn 50 by May 27, the governor said that the hosting of the AMAA event in Lagos would add more glamour to the celebration of the state’s Golden Jubilee and showcase its hospitality to the continent and the world at large.

  • National Arts Theatre’ll be ready for AMAA 2017- Ambode

    National Arts Theatre’ll be ready for AMAA 2017- Ambode

    …Says hosting event in Lagos will boost state’s tourism potentials

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday said his administration has concluded plans to begin a total revamping of the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos by next month in time for the 2017 Africa Movies Academic Awards (AMAA) ceremony holding in the State later in the year.

    Ambode, who spoke when he played host to officials of AMAA led by its President, Mrs. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe at the Lagos House, Ikeja, expressed optimism that the plan to upgrade the Theatre to world class standard would serve as a viable venue for the AMAA event when completed.

    “I want to also say that I am very particular about the venue of the AMAA, so we would use everything possible to make sure that the National Arts Theatre is ready. We are in a process and before the month ends, we should have something to start doing within the first week of April to getting the whole place ready,” he said.

    Alluding to the fact that Lagos would turn 50 by May 27, the Governor said that the hosting of the AMAA event in Lagos would add more glamour to the celebration of the State’s Golden Jubilee and showcase its hospitality to the continent and the world at large.

    “This is a very historic moment for us in Lagos. 2017 we are celebrating the existence of Lagos for 50 years. If you look at the calendar, you would wonder in what ways and manner can we celebrate Lagos.

    “Without your sector, there is no Lagos. So, when we say 50 years, we are talking about 50 years of history, so somebody documents it, somebody dramatizes it, and then somebody keeps it, so that those who are yet unborn would see it, so even when we are not there, it would be displayed through your creative talents,” he said.

    Ambode said the recent interventions of his administration in the creative industry was in line with his belief that it represents a new opportunity for economic development and unleashing the potentials of youths, assuring that he remains fully committed to breaking the barriers weighing down the industry from thriving.

    “We are in a synergy process. Government might not have put so much effort in creative arts, but that’s the new vista that we are going to. We have come to the end of white collar jobs, we are into the era of creativity and innovation and then it’s only a good government that has vision that can actually understand that we need to break down the barriers that allow people with talents to actually display where the real God given asset is. Yes, it’s lowly priced here, so we are just in a joint step here to say that for the very first time, we would deliberately attack the impediments that allow people not to thrive in the creative industry.

    While officially accepting the hosting rights for AMAA 2017, Governor Ambode said the State would take advantage of the opportunity to boost its tourism mileage beyond Lagos @ 50.

    “The whole essence is to grow the GDP of Lagos; it would bring people into Lagos, they would stay in our hotels, they would come watch the movies and then they would pay their taxes and eventually it’s a conglomerate of goods and services that would escalate our GDP,” the Governor said.

    Earlier, President of AMAA, Mrs. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe commended the Governor for his interest in the creative industry, saying that it has given the sector a major boost in recent time.

    “It’s amazing to have a Governor who is like a family that seems to understand what our needs are. We’ve never had a Governor of Lagos State who has shown so much deep interest in Nollywood,” she said

    She said the 2017 AMAA ceremony, the 13th in the series would feature films from 72 countries with over 23,000 guests from across the African continent vying for various awards.

     

     

  • National Arts Theatre: Sambo’s NCP insists on due process

    National Arts Theatre: Sambo’s NCP insists on due process

    A fresh crisis is looming over plans by the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Mr. Edem Duke, to place the National Arts Theatre on concession.

    Both the National Council on Privatization (NCP), through the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) have issued conflicting directives on the fate of the theatre complex.

    The National Council on Privatization is headed by Vice-President Namadi Sambo.

    Investigation revealed that the BPE had on April 8, 2013 asked Duke to subject the concession of the National Arts Theatre to the Technical sub-committee of the NCP.

    But the minister wrote the ICRC on April 29, 2013 to secure a no-objection approval for the Public Private Partnership of the theatre arts.

    The minister was said to have approached the ICRC based on the alleged anticipatory approval he got from President Goodluck Jonathan on December 27, 2012.

    It was gathered that the minister had raised a memo to Jonathan asking for selective tendering and a release of N100million for the engagement of transaction advisors.

    The said N100million, which was approved by the President was as follows: N80million for payment of transaction advisors, N15million operational vehicles and N5million for office.

    It was learnt that based on the anticipatory approval by Jonathan, a firm, BGL, was appointed as a technical advisor for the PPP model.

    An official of the theatre, who asked a worker to read all the memos on the concession to staff of the agency, said: “The PPP model which the BGL had finished has been sent to the President for approval. We sent it to the ICRC to make their input before we forwarded it to the President.”

    The NCP has, however, discovered that the anticipatory approval was in violation of the Federal Government Privatization Act.

    The April 8, 2013 letter from the BPE to the minister reads in part: “We wish to draw the kind attention of the honourable minister to the fact that the National Arts Theatre is one of the facilities scheduled for concession in the Federal Government Privatization Act along with Tafawa Balewa Square and Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.

    “In line with its role of determining policies and criteria on commercialization and privatization of facilities in the Act, the National Council on Privatization approved the privatization of the National Arts Theatre, TBS and the Trade Fair Complex in 2001.

    “We would like to kindly draw the minister’s attention to the fact that the Bureau of Public Enterprises commenced the concession transaction of the National Arts Theatre in 2001, following the conclusion of World Bank financial and diagnostic study and transaction advisory survey in line with international best practice.

    “The first concession led to the pre-qualification of the following concessionaires: Jadeas Trust Construction and Lloyds Anderson.

    “In 2002, the NCP directed the Minister of Tourism and Culture and the BPE to work together on the concession of the enterprise.

    “In January 2003, the pre-qualified concessionaires conducted data roll and physical due diligence. The transaction was slated. However, owing to the inability of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to provide relevant documents such as power of attorney and as well as building programme for the second attempt at concession of National Arts Theatre.

    “The honourable minister may also graciously note that the BPE did another concession transaction on National Arts Theatre in 2006. Eight companies responded when the bureau advertised for Expression of Interest which led to financial bids on May 17, 2007 where Infrastrutica Construction emerged as the preferred bidder with a price of N35billion and Jadeas Trust Limited as a reserve bidder with an offer of N28billion.

    “Following the approval of the result of the financial bid by the NCP, an offer letter was sent to the preferred bidder on May 18, 2007 and a timetable to complete the concession agreement by May 28, 2007 was raised.

    “Unfortunately, the preferred bidder, Infrastrutica Construction, failed to meet the terms of the offer, leading to the termination of the offer.

    “The reserved bidder, Jadeas Trust Limited, was, therefore, invited for negotiation to pay for the enterprise. However, the process to conclude the transaction with Jadeas Trust Limited was also stalled.

    “The NCP, at its first meeting on January 22, 2013, approved the revisiting of the concession transaction by the BPE with a view to bringing it into a conclusion. The BPE has, therefore, invited Jadeas Trust Limited to present a revised technical and financial proposal.

    “The honourable minister may wish to note that the NCP, as it is the practice with ministers whose enterprises are being privatized or concessioned, also approved that the BPE should invite the Hon. Minister of Tourism and Culture to participate in the NCP Technical sub-committee that would consider the proposal of Jadeas Trust Limited.

    But in a separate letter, the ICRC asked the minister to go ahead with the PPP option.

    The memo said in part: “We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated April 29, 2013. We are pleased to inform you that the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission is in support of this transaction as it is a laudable project that has great potential to transform the National Theatre into a world-class facility which can compete with the best theatre in the world.

    “We wish to inform the honourable minister that the submitted OPC meets the minimum standards on National Policy on the Public-Private Partnership.

    “The financial analysis demonstrates capability while the Value-For-Money analysis clearly demonstrates the PPP procurement option as a preferred option.

    “In order to support the ongoing transformation agenda of the Federal Government, the commission hereby issues a no-objection with the following conditions being fulfilled: Common services for the entire National Theatre area; public service obligation needs to be considered; shopping complex facility be packaged with a multi-story car park.

    “We suggest that you either present the proposal to the Federal Executive Council or seek anticipatory presidential approval.”

    But the conflicting positions of the BPE and ICRC have left stakeholders and staff of the National Arts Theatre confused.

    In one of the sessions to douse tension, the General Manager of National Arts Theatre had to meet with the staff of the complex to clear the grey areas.

    At the session, one of the top officials of the National Arts Theatre said: “The NCP met on January 22, 2013, the approval for the PPP was given on December 27, 2012. So, which one came first? Presidential approval or NCP approval? Which one is serious?

    “I was at the assignment during a courtesy call on the minister by the DG of BPE. And the minister asked him a basic question: if the President approved the PPP in error, does it not stand superior to any other thing?

    “The DG agreed and said that presidential approval can be ratified by the NCP. We all agreed and left it as it is.”

  • National Arts Theatre: Anger over Minister’s defiance of House directive

    National Arts Theatre: Anger over Minister’s defiance of House directive

    The Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Mr. Edem Duke, has ordered the ejection of some agencies from the National Arts Theatre Complex in Lagos.

    This is in defiance of a directive of the House of Representatives which is currently probing plan by the ministry to concession the complex.

    The ejection of the agencies commenced on Wednesday following a letter from the Ministry.

    Ejected are the National Council for Arts and Culture, Nigeria Gallery of Arts and the National Troupe of Nigeria, among others.

    Members of the House Committee on Culture and Tourism, shocked by the development, are expected to visit the complex next week for first hand assessment of the situation.

    The House Committee had on April 8 directed the Minister to stay further action on the concession and halted the planned ejection of three agencies from the Theatre Complex.

    Investigation revealed that the minister has asked all agencies at the Theatre Complex to vacate the place because the Federal Government is going ahead with the concession of the edifice.

    A member of the House Committee said: “We have just got report that an ejection letter was sent to all the agencies at the Theatre Complex. This is sub-judicial to the ongoing investigation of issues raised on the minister’s plans.

    “We have not lifted the order that the status quo should be maintained by the minister. We will not take kindly to the ejection of the agencies.

    “Some stakeholders have just raised a fresh alarm that building a hotel in the complex will cause serious sewage and environmental problems within the area in Lagos . “The site is also a swamp. So, some of the stakeholders are calling on the Federal Government and Lagos State not to allow what happened in Kenya five years ago, where an edifice erected on swampy area collapsed, to repeat itself in Nigeria.

    “Also, the stakeholders alleged that the relevant ministry has not conducted a couple of tests required for such expansion.”

    In its letter, signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Culture and Tourism, Chief Ben Nwankwo, the House ordered the Minister to stay action on the ejection of the affected agencies.

    The letter had said: “It will be only expedient you agree with me, to stay the quit notice already served on the tenant parastatals until the Committee is fully brought in the picture of the public interest inherent in the planned development, which has regrettably generated confusions and controversies in certain quarters.

    “I crave your full cooperation and understanding of the purpose of this communication and comply in the overall interest of the sector and our country at large. Please, kindly accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.”

    The theatre was inaugurated on September 30, 1976 by the then Military Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo.

    It was opened five months before the hosting of the 2nd World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77) in January/February 1977.

  • National Arts Theatre: Senate writes minister, protests blackout

    National Arts Theatre: Senate writes minister, protests blackout

    The dust over the alleged plan to convert Na tional Arts Theatre into a hotel is yet to settle as the Senate has also invited the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Mr. Edem Duke, to come and clear the air on the issue on April 23.

    The Senate protested against being kept incommunicado on the fate of the Arts Theatre.

    The Senate made its position known in an April 8, 2013 letter, signed by the Chairman of its Committee on Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Sen. Ahmed Barata.

    The House of Representatives had earlier summoned the minister on the same issue.

    The Senate’s letter reads: “The Senate Committee on Culture, Tourism and National Orientation is not unaware of the publications in the media recently and your press briefing on the arrangement for the concessioning of National Theatre’s land at Lagos .

    “You are aware of the efforts of the committee to ensure the growth and development of the sector and will therefore give her total support for any move towards that.

    “Interestingly, you have deliberately kept the committee and National Assembly incommunicado on the action so far in order to deny her its legislative role.

    “In the light of the above, you are, therefore, requested to brief the leadership of the committee with all the necessary and appropriate documents on the whole process of the concessioning arrangement on Tuesday, April 23 at Room Senate Wing by 1.00pm.

    “You are expected to come along with evidence of due process at appointing the advisor, including every appropriate document concerning him or her. Also, the masterplan that shows the extent of the area to be concessioned must be included.

    “May I, therefore, advise you to stay action on the quit notice served the parastatals that are tenants at the National Theatre until the committee is properly briefed on the matter.”

    The minister had recently given a two-week notice to Federal Government agencies operating at the theatre to relocate and look for an alternative accommodation in preparation for the concessioning of the theatre complex.

    The notice was contained in a March 18, 2013 letter the minister sent to some agencies occupying the theatre complex.

    But the quit notice generated controversy on the fate of the theatre with most stakeholders rejecting proposals to establish any hotel in the place.

    The theatre was inaugurated on September 30, 1976 by the then military Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo.

    It was opened five months before the hosting of the 2nd World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77) in January/February 1977.

    A brief from Wikipedia on the National Arts Theatre reads: “Acknowledged as an architectural masterpiece and a cultural landmark, the complex covers an area of about 23,000 square metres and standing well over 31metres tall.

    “The multipurpose National Theatre was established for the preservation, presentation and promotion of arts and culture in Nigeria . Although the idea for a National Theatre was initiated by the Gowon Administration, hosting the World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture in 1977 (FESTAC ’77) was the catalyst for the birth of the monument. The concrete arrangements for its establishment started in 1973 when the Federal Government appointed a 29-member Theatre Consultative Committee to advise on the concept and organizational structure of a theatre.

    “The committee proposed the establishment of a National Theatre which should also be the home of a National Troupe. The design for the monument was taken from the Palace of Culture and Sports in Varma , Bulgaria . The contract for its construction was signed on April 24, 1973, with the Bulgarian construction company called Technoexportsroy, the main contractors for the building of the complex.

    “But the vision for the building of the complex went beyond the provision of a befitting venue for the 2nd World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77) which Nigeria successfully hosted in January/February, 1977.”

  • A National Arts Theatre in transition

    A National Arts Theatre in transition

    Stakeholders are suspicious of the new plan for the National Arts Theatre, Lagos. But, its management says an hotel and other facilities are being bulit in addition to the theatre.It, however, remains to be seen how this will transform the fortune of the monument, reports OZOLUA UHAKHEME

    Its opening 37 years ago was glorious. Its exterior is shaped like a military hat, perhaps because it was built by the military administration of the then Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, with a 5000-seater main hall, with a collapsible stage and two 700-800 capacity cinema halls, equipped with facilities for simultaneous translation of eight languages.

    Neglect and poor management by successive governments turned the elegant edifice into a symbol of ruin and decadence. The air conditioning system failed long ago. The toilets are disgusting and the halls, some with wobbly seats, are almost permanently dark, no thanks to epileptic power supply. The lawns have seen better years.

    Welcome to the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, which, over the year, has sunk into dilapidation. In its heydays, it was the primary centre for the performing arts in the country.

    Despite a couple of interventions, the huge main bowl of the theatre is not what it was envisaged to be. Although ranked the largest in Africa, bigger than that of Durban and Cape Town in South Africa, the theatre has not been fully utilised since it was completed in 1976 in preparation for the Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) in 1977.

    The first attempt to rewrite the story of the theatre was in 2001. The then President Obasanjo announced plans to privatise it. This sparked off controversy in the arts community. Notable voices, including Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka were against the move. Actors and actresses staged a series of protests against the sell-off plans. There were arguments that buyers of the theatre would use it to enrich and not promote arts and culture.

    The plan was dumped. Now, it is resurfacing in another format. It all began when Edem Duke became the Minister of Culture and toured its facilities. During the tour, he was told by the theatre’s General Manager and CEO, Kabir Yusuf, that about N500 million would be needed to acquire a chiller for the humid main bowl, which was last used in 1994 for the screening of the late Hubert Ogunde’s famous film, Ayanmo.

    Perhaps sure that the Federal Government would not put such money into the edifice, the minster proposed that corporate Nigeria should step in to assist in restoring the glory of the theatre.

    Now, the plan is taking shape and it is trailed by controversy. On paper, the plan is to add a five-star hotel, a water restaurant and so on to the theatre. But some fear the whole edifice may be turned to an hotel, as reported yesterday by this paper.

    Yusuf yesterday said the Federal Government has no plan to turn the nation’s former number one event centre into a five-star hotel. He said, instead, government is implementing the business segment of the master-plan of the 37-year-old edifice.

    He said the National Arts Theatre would not be touched and would still remain and function as the nation’s foremost cultural and event venue.

    He said: “There is no issue of touching the National Theatre. What government is doing is to lease the landed properties surrounding the edifice to investors to develop. This is a way to save the theatre instead of outright sale. The facilities earmarked for the business phase of the complex, which is in tandem with the master-plan of the theatre include a five-star hotel, shopping mall, multi-level car park, land and water restaurants as well as offices.

    “Serious businessmen are showing strong interest in the land and we can’t leave it to miscreants. The current facilities on ground around the theatre cannot support the growth of the theatre. And we are sitting on gold.”

    Yusuf explained that on September 20, last year, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation inaugurated a committee comprising of representatives of the Ministry of Housing, the Infrastructure Regulation Commission and the Surveyor-General to examine the viability of the master-plan of the National Arts Theatre.

    According to him, the committee recommended that the master-plan is viable only under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. This, he said, necessitated a memo to the Presidency for approval, which was granted.

    “Based on the approval, the management sought a consortium that will lead with an outline briefcase,” he noted, adding that next week the consortium would roll out its outline briefcase after which the various projects would be made public for investors to bid.

    He added: “All the preliminary works would be wrapped up in three months.”

    He stated that following the approval from the Presidency, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation issued a quit notice to all parastatals and agencies under the ministry whose liaison offices and stations are within the affected land of the National Theatre. He said all the affected agencies, such as National Gallery of Art, National Council for Arts and Culture, have their headquarters in Abuja.

    “What they have here are stations that are built as temporary office accommodation. But the National Gallery of Art outlet within the theatre will not be affected because it will be useful to tourists to the theatre,” he added.

    Continuing, he said: “In the whole world, there is no country where a theatre stands alone, for example, that of Cairo in Egypt. There should be associated facilities around the theatre to complement its services. Unfortunately, the facilities around our theatre are nothing but shanties and they diminish the status of the theatre. The only facility we allowed is the Metro Station of the Lagos State government, which is approved by Federal Government.”

    The minster’s letter on the development reads: “The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed

    Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, has approved the development of the National Theatre Land in accordance with the original Masterplan with infrastructures (sic) which include, but not limited to a Five-Star Hotel, Shopping Mall, Multi-Level Car Park, Land and Water Restaurant, offices.

    “Consequently, a Transaction Advisor was engaged, to, among others give Transaction Advisory Services for the application of Public-Private Partnership option for the delivery of the necessary services on the land. “Please recall that the inevitability of relocating your office was discussed at the

    meeting I had with you on this development on 5th of March, 2013 in Lagos .

    “To this effect, you are hereby advised to relocate your office within two (2) weeks to an alternative location as suggested at the meeting, so as to pave (sic) way for the development that is to be situated where your office is currently located.

    “Please note that this relocation is temporary as the structures that will eventually provide accommodation for your operations are being envisaged under the new arraignment.

    “As we solicit for your understanding and cooperation, we assure you that the efforts of the government in providing these infrastructural facilities as complementary to the National Theatre, as it is with other theatres in other parts of the world will be a thing of pride when completed. Please accept the assurances of my best regards.”

    On Monday, a source told The Nation: “They are talking of expansion under PPP arrangement, but we are suspecting that they want to convert the National Theatre Complex into a hotel. If their plan is to expand infrastructure in the complex, why will they ask vital agencies to relocate from the place within two weeks.

    “Nigerians should ask the Minister to tell them when the PPP arrangement was mooted, the recommendations of

    Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC), and how a transaction advisor was appointed.

    “As we are talking now, there are no records to show that the matter was tabled for approval by the Federal Executive Council.

    “Some people are just trying to create a crisis for the administration of Jonathan. We are suspecting foul play because an investor from the Niger Delta has been linked with the project.”

    Another source added: “Again, they are trying to shortchange the South-West which is already protesting against marginalisation. They are acting a script to do away with the National Arts Theatre, which was built by Obasanjo.

    “Even if Obasanjo is no longer a good man in their books, the national heritage he constructed should not be wasted.”

    On how the development of the landed property would impact on the theatre, Yusuf said: “Whatever will be realised from the lease would be ploughed into renovating the main bowl, which has a 6,500 sitting capacity. The repair of the main bowl, which is the biggest in Africa and Middle East will cost billions of naira.”

    There was, however, uneasy calm at the National Gallery of Art, the National Council for Arts and Culture, National Institute for Cultural Orientation, the Artists Village, Universal Studio of Artists (USA) and the popular Abe Igi (cluster of bars) as workers were seen reading The Nation and discussing the quit order.

    In a telephone interview, one of the affected CEOs described the two-month notice as unrealistic because government has not provided the affected agencies with any alternative office accommodation. “We are civil servants and Nigerians. For me, it is the most draconian of any law in recent time. We are in a democracy and am sure the National Assembly may be unaware of this development,” she said.

    The artists at the USA, who claimed they have not been served the notice, said they had paid for this year.

    A sculptor Fidelis Odogwu, said: “We hope the notice will not affect our studio because the management of the theatre has not discussed such with us. In fact, we pay our rent as tenant of the National Theatre. And we have paid for this year.”

    At the NGA and NCAC, the joint Art Craft and Décor Fair which opened on March 28 at the National Gallery of Crafts and Design, and Aina Onabolu Building is still running.

    It is believed that the demolition of the buildings will be carried out as soon as the preferred investors are chosen. Time will tell, however, if the theatre will be the better for the new deal.