The Committee embarked on an ambitious restoration project to harness the vast potential within Nigeria’s creative sector, aiming to provide opportunities for the burgeoning population of Nigerian youth. The revitalized National Theatre, once operational, is poised to become a dynamic hub for creativity and entertainment. This transformation will not only create numerous job opportunities but also generate significant income and bolster foreign exchange earnings, ultimately offering essential community spaces where Nigerian youth can explore their talents and thrive.

The renovation encompasses a wide array of spaces, ensuring the facility meets international standards. This includes the refurbishment of the 4,000-seater main bowl, a grand 3,000-plus-seater banquet hall, two expansive exhibition halls, three state-of-the-art cinemas, exclusive VIP areas, modern actors’ changing rooms, an industrial kitchen, and over 300 newly installed toilet cubicles. Additional facilities include a clinic, a fully-equipped fire station, welcoming lobbies at all four entrances of the National Theatre, and extensive roof repairs to ensure structural integrity.

During a recent tour of this monumental site in Lagos, Abubakar Suleiman, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank Group and representative of the Bankers’ Committee, expressed his initial surprise at the project’s vast scale. However, he was equally inspired by the incredible potential it held. “This is one of the largest-scaled projects of its kind anywhere on the continent,” he remarked, highlighting the project’s significance and scale. Suleiman emphasized that the restoration has elevated the National Theatre to world-class standards.

The comprehensive upgrade includes the replacement of the entire Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system to ensure optimal climate control. Fire safety standards have been significantly enhanced, and major improvements have been made to the power supply, water supply, and sewage systems. The interior design has been modernized with cutting-edge Audio Video Lighting (AVL) systems and world-class stage engineering. Furthermore, 17 passenger lifts have been installed alongside solar power solutions and new furniture for various spaces. The restoration also extends to valuable artworks, including those adorning internal wall panels and the building’s façade.

External renovations have not been overlooked. The project included refurbishing three entrance gatehouses, constructing four themed landscapes, and building a car park block with a capacity for 250 vehicles. The surrounding infrastructure has been upgraded with a new ring road, external street lighting, and CCTV camera installations to ensure security and accessibility.

Mrs. Kafilat Araoye, Managing Director of Lotus Bank Ltd and another representative of the Bankers’ Committee, described this extensive renovation as a rebirth of a national treasure and a profound restoration of Nigeria’s culture and heritage. “We are very excited about the completion of the renovation and upgrade of facilities at the National Theatre,” she stated proudly. “We are indeed very proud of the work we have done here.”

This meticulous restoration effort is not merely about refurbishing a building; it symbolizes a renewal of national pride and a commitment to fostering cultural and creative expression among Nigerian youth.