National Theatre Workers Protest Continued Denial of Office Access
By Comrade Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha
Lagos, Nigeria
21st March 2025
The Joint Union Congress of RATTAWU and AUPCTRE, supported by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), held a Press Conference on March 20, 2025, decrying the continued exclusion of National Theatre workers from their offices despite government promises.
The Vice Chairman of NLC Lagos State Council, Comrade Olabisi Idowu, NLC Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ishola Adejumo, who also serves as the Lagos State Council Chairman of RATTAWU, Other prominent labour Leaders included South West Vice Chairman, RATTAWU Comrade Dare Dorusimi, AUPCTRE National Vice President, South West, Comrade Omodolapo Olatunji led the call for immediate action. They were joined by representatives from 65 NLC-affiliated unions.
A Struggle That Began in 2024
The fight to relocate workers back into their offices at the National Theatre complex began in October 2024, following years of displacement due to renovation efforts. The unions had engaged in discussions with the National Theatre General Manager/CEO but were met with what they described as “deliberate negative efforts” to prevent their return.
The workers, who have been forced to operate under makeshift conditions, argue that the government has failed to uphold the commitments made during the rehabilitation of the National Theatre.
Unfulfilled Government Promises
The press conference recalled the commitments made by former Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who assured Nigerians that:
The National Theatre would not be ceded to private interests.
The renovation, initially projected to cost ₦25 billion, ended up at ₦100 billion.
No jobs would be lost, with 600 permanent staff retained and an additional 2,000–6,000 ad-hoc jobs created.
The renovation would be completed within 18 months, after which workers would return to their offices.
However, five years later, workers remain displaced, operating under trees in unacceptable working conditions.
The Unions’ Demands
In light of these broken promises, the Joint Union Congress has made clear demands:
- Immediate reinstatement of workers into their offices at the National Theatre.
- Provision of a conducive work environment that reflects the institution’s cultural and artistic significance.
- A firm commitment from the government to uphold agreements made under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ministry of Information and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The unions emphasized that the National Theatre, established under Decree 47 of October 29, 1991, has a core mandate to promote, present, and preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage. They argue that the current treatment of workers undermines this mission and disrespects the institution’s legacy.
A Unified Front for Workers’ Rights
The press conference saw strong participation from the labour movement, highlighting the significance of the issue. Representatives from 65 NLC-affiliated unions in Lagos, including 17 RATTAWU chapters, expressed solidarity with National Theatre workers, calling for urgent intervention by the federal government.
As the struggle continues, the unions have vowed to escalate their actions if their demands are not met. “We are not representing the government or the National Theatre management well under a tree,” the union leaders stated firmly.
With workers’ patience running out, all eyes are now on the government’s next move—will it honor its commitments, or will the battle for dignity in the workplace intensify?
