Working Under Trees, Generating Revenue: National Theatre Workers Demand Justice
By Comrade Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha
Lagos, Nigeria
21st March 2025
For half a decade, the workers of Nigeria’s iconic National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, have been operating under trees—forced out of their offices despite a multi-billion-naira renovation project that was supposed to restore the cultural landmark. Yet, despite these degrading conditions, they have continued to generate revenue for the federal government, demonstrating resilience in the face of neglect.
However, on Thursday, March 20, 2025, they had had enough. At a press conference organized by the Joint Union Congress of RATTAWU and AUPCTRE, they decried their unacceptable working conditions, calling on the government to fulfill the promises made to them during the rehabilitation of the National Theatre.
A Renovation That Left Workers Behind
The National Theatre’s renovation, initially estimated at ₦25 billion but ultimately costing ₦100 billion, was sold to the public as a win-win for Nigeria’s cultural sector. The then Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, assured that no jobs would be lost, 600 staff would be retained, and an additional 2,000 to 6,000 ad-hoc jobs would be created. Above all, workers were promised a return to their offices within 18 months.
Yet, five years later, they remain outside, working under the open sky.
Labour Leaders Take a Stand
Leading the charge for justice were Comrade Olabisi Idowu (Vice Chairman, NLC Lagos State Council), Comrade Dare Dorusimi (RATTAWU South West Vice Chairman), Comrade Ishola Adejumo (NLC Publicity Secretary and Lagos State RATTAWU Chairman) and Comrade Omodolapo Olatunji (AUPCTRE National Vice President, South West). Backed by representatives from 65 NLC-affiliated unions and elder statesman Adeniran Makinde, their demands were clear:
Immediate return of workers to their offices.
Provision of a proper work environment befitting a national institution.
Full implementation of the promises made in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Lai Mohammed and then-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele.
Resilience Amidst Hardship
Despite their dire circumstances, these workers have continued to contribute to Nigeria’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), proving their dedication to the nation’s cultural sector. But their message is clear: patriotism should not be mistaken for silent suffering.
“We are tired of being treated as second-class citizens in our own workplace,” one worker lamented. “The National Theatre represents our nation’s heritage, yet those who preserve it are forced to work under trees. This is an embarrassment to Nigeria.”
A Growing Movement
Following the press conference, the workers took their protest around the National Theatre, chanting solidarity songs and demanding justice. The massive turnout reflected the growing frustration among Nigeria’s labour force over the government’s failure to uphold agreements.
What Next?
The National Theatre’s workers have waited five years for a promise to be fulfilled. The question now is whether the government will finally do right by them or continue to let them toil in the shadows of the very building they are meant to sustain.
For a nation that prides itself on its cultural heritage, allowing its custodians to work under trees is not just unjust—it is a national disgrace.
