By Henry Ovie
• Reject ‘Under-Tree’ Offices
• Demand Return of Theatre Workers to Their Offices
• Call for Better Working Conditions
• Raise Concerns Over Renovation Cost Discrepancies
LAGOS – The Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) have petitioned President Bola Tinubu over what they described as a crisis at the National Theatre Complex.
At a world press conference held in Lagos on Thursday, the unions raised serious concerns about workers’ welfare, management sidelining, and unfulfilled promises regarding the theatre’s renovation.
Renovation Delays and Broken Promises
According to the unions, the former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, had assured that the National Theatre renovation would be completed within 18 months and that no job would be lost. However, five years after the project began, they lamented that the promises have not been kept.
“The continued restriction of workers from their designated offices has not only affected productivity but has also subjected our members to psychological distress, professional displacement, and operational stagnation,” the unions said.
Workers Denied Access to Offices
The labour groups condemned the denial of access to offices within the complex, forcing staff to work under substandard conditions.
“This restriction is a clear breach of previous commitments and undermines workplace fairness and inclusion,” they stated.
Sidelining of National Theatre Management
The unions also criticized the alleged sidelining of the General Manager of the National Theatre, citing instances where high-level visits took place without his knowledge.
“The visit of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and his delegation occurred without informing the substantive management. This is a serious breakdown in institutional protocol and transparency,” the unions alleged.
Concerns Over Programme Restrictions
Another major issue raised was the restriction of internally organized events despite official payments.
“National Theatre staff and departments are being prevented from hosting internal programmes, even after making payments through the Treasury Single Account (TSA). This suppression not only affects revenue generation but also contradicts the essence of the National Theatre as a hub for cultural expression,” the unions stated.
Call for Government Intervention
The unions urged the Federal Government to take immediate action by restoring workers to their offices, addressing the operational restrictions, and ensuring transparency in the ongoing renovation project.
They vowed to continue their advocacy until their demands are met, emphasizing that the National Theatre is a national heritage that must not be mismanaged.
The statement was jointly signed by Comrade Ishola Adejumo (RATTAWU Chairman, Lagos State), Comrade Bimbola Oluyeye (RATTAWU Secretary, Lagos State), Comrade Olatunji Omodolapo (AUPCTRE Chairperson), and Comrade Omotola Babatunde (AUPCTRE Secretary).
The case of the National Theatre remains a pressing issue, with workers and cultural stakeholders watching closely to see how the government responds to their demands.
