Theatre workers and allied agencies operating inside the main bowl of the National Theatre in Lagos on Friday began to remove their properties, following the deadline given by the Federal Government.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the marching order was given to the workers to quit and pave the way for the renovation of the about 45-years-old complex.
Recall that the Bankers’ Committee led by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, had on Sunday, February 14, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government for the handover of the theatre complex.
On July 12, 2020, the Federal Government handed over the complex to the CBN and the Bankers Committee for the restoration and development of the 134 hectares of fallow land within the premises.
Many of the workers have been removing their office materials in a frenzy to beat the deadline.
Affected tenant agencies such as the National Gallery of Art and National troupe staff have been moving their items out of the arena.
Also, an official of the National Theatre, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, told NAN that contractors had yet to arrive for the renovation works.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Culture and Information, Lai Mohammed, during the handing over, had reiterated that the National Theatre would still remain the nation’s heritage.
