FG, NLC ON WARPATH OVER NATIONAL THEATRE UNVEILING

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday vowed to deplore every lawful tool at its disposal, including full mobilization, protests, and industrial action to return staff to the rehabilitated National Theatre and restore dignified working conditions.

‘’The NLC wishes to let you know that this is not just about physical working conditions but about our workers dignity, rights and the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage’’.

The NLC also demanded a public and transparent resolution of the crisis.

‘’Following the recent global media coverage of this matter, the Federal Government appointed a new Board Chairman, Mr. Disun Holloway, presumably to address longstanding issues. Regrettably, over three months after his appointment, he has yet to engage directly with staff or address their welfare. Rather, his tenure has been marked by secrecy, exclusion, and complete disregard for the plight of workers, who are left to operate in open-air conditions- literally- under trees. He enters and exits the premises through the back door, conducts closed door meetings with the General Manager/ CEO of the National Theatre, (Mrs. Tola Akerele), Central Bank Officials and members of The Banker’s Committee while excluding the most affected stakeholders, the staff’’.

In a letter to the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, the union urged the Federal Government to initiate open, inclusive stakeholders’ engagement regarding the use and administration of the National Theatre.

‘’I write to formally remind you of our earlier correspondence dated 21st May 2025 on the deeply degrading and unacceptable working conditions under which staff of the National Theatre, Lagos, have been forced to operate for an extended period. It is surprising that after 4 months of receipt of our correspondence, nothing has been done to improve workers welfare and working conditions’’.

The letter signed by NLC Chairman, Lagos State, Comrade Funmi Agnes Sessi called for transparency in the management of the facility, protection of jobs and keeping the commitment made by former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who assured no job losses post-rehabilitation.

‘’The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) stands with the workers of the National Theatre in defending the future of the iconic edifice’’.

Titled: ‘’Deplorable working conditions at the National Theatre’’ the union said despite deep frustrations, the staff demonstrated commendable restraint and pursued due process, including: notification of the Office of the Governor of Lagos State via official correspondence, reaching out to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, informing the Inspector General of Police and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, engaging with the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy and contacting the Central Bank of Nigeria

‘’Our efforts have yielded no tangible improvements, and the General Manager/CEO of the National Theatre remains either unwilling or unable to act’’.

The statement emphasized legal violations.

‘’The NLC wishes to remind you that the ongoing situation constitutes a clear violation of both international and national labour standards, including ILO Convention No. 190 and Nigeria Labour Act, Section 17.

“Every worker has the right to a safe and suitable working environment once they have presented themselves for duty.”

According to NLC, The National Theatre is a National Symbol and taxpayer-funded monument, not the private property of individuals or corporations.

‘’We will not allow it to be quietly handed over under the guise of Corporate Social Responsibility or any other veiled privatization tactics’’.