The Bankers’ Committee has announced the completion of the restoration and upgrading of facilities at the National Theatre. The renovation started in July 2021 after approval by the Federal Government and the subsequent handover of the national edifice to the Bankers’ Committee.
The Committee initiated this restoration to unlock the vast potential in the creative sector for the Nigerian youth population. The revamped National Theatre, upon operation, will create employment opportunities, generate income, and increase foreign exchange earnings, thereby evolving into a creative and entertainment center providing essential community spaces for Nigerian youth to explore and flourish.
The renovation efforts encompass various areas, including the 4,000-seater main bowl, over 3,000-seater banquet hall, 2 exhibition halls, 3 cinemas, VIP spaces, actors’ changing rooms, industrial kitchen, over 300 new toilet cubicles, clinic, fire station, lobbies within the four National Theatre entrances, and extensive roof repairs.
During a tour of the monument in Lagos, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank Group representing Bankers’ Committee, Abubakar Suleiman, mentioned that at the project’s commencement,
We were surprised by the magnitude of the work required, but we were also inspired by the opportunities it presented. This is one of the largest projects of its kind on the continent.
The restoration of the National Theatre by the Bankers Committee demonstrates what is achievable through patriotism and collective responsibility from the private sector in collaboration with the Federal and Lagos state governments, to restore hope and rejuvenate some of our national monuments and assets. He also noted that the restored edifice meets world-class standards.
The facilities were upgraded to align with the best global standards in theatre and performance. The upgrades include replacing the entire Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, enhancing fire safety standards, power systems, water supply and sewage systems, interior design upgrades with Audio Video Lighting (AVL), world-class stage engineering systems, 17 passenger lifts, solar power integration, new furniture for spaces, and restoration of artworks including those on the internal wall panels and the building façade.
External works supporting the National Theatre were also conducted, including the refurbishment