The Joint Congress of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) and the Amalgamated Union Public Corporations, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) has expressed deep concerns over the troubling state of affairs at the National Theatre Complex. At a world press conference in Lagos, the Labour Unions condemned the denial of access to designated offices within the National Theatre complex, sidelining of the management, and inhibition of internally organized programmes.
The unions recalled the assurances given by the then Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, that the renovation would be completed within eighteen months and that no single job would be lost. However, five years after the commencement of the renovation project, these promises have remained largely unfulfilled.
The Labour Unions also lamented the lack of transparency and coordination in the management of the National Theatre. They cited the recent visit of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the delegation, which occurred without the knowledge of the substantive management. This, they argued, represents a serious breakdown in institutional protocol, coordination, and transparency.
The stance of the unions was presented to journalists in Lagos 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 unions decried the inhibition of internally organized programmes despite official payments. They noted that the deliberate suppression of legitimate institutional programming not only affects revenue generation but also contradicts the very essence of the National Theatre as a hub for cultural expression and creativity.
The Labour Unions also expressed concerns over the discrepancies in the renovation cost, which was initially estimated at N25 billion. They urged the Federal Government to investigate the matter and ensure that the renovation project is completed in a transparent and accountable manner.
The unions recollected the words of Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who had stated that the National Theatre is the nation’s heritage and that it will not be ceded to any person or group. They also recalled his assurance that the renovation is to restore the National Theatre back to its former glory and that no single job will be lost, as more jobs will be created.
However, the unions argued that workers were abandoned in the course of the memorandum of understanding signed by Lai Mohammed and the then Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.
Key Demands by the Labour Unions:
- Return of Theatre Workers to Office: The unions urged the Federal Government to return theatre workers back to their offices, citing the negative impact of the continued restriction on administrative productivity and workers’ well-being.
- Good Working Environment: The unions called for a good working environment, emphasizing the need for a conducive workspace that promotes productivity and creativity.
- Transparency and Accountability: The unions demanded transparency and accountability in the management of the National Theatre, citing the need for regular updates on the renovation project and its finances.
The Labour Unions also emphasized the importance of the National Theatre as a national heritage and a hub for cultural expression and creativity. They urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to address their concerns and ensure that the renovation project is completed in a manner that promotes the interests of workers, artists, and the Nigerian people.
In conclusion, the Labour Unions reiterated their commitment to protecting the rights and interests of workers at the National Theatre. They vowed to continue to speak out against any actions that undermine the integrity and autonomy of the National Theatre, and to work tirelessly to ensure that the renovation project is completed in a transparent, accountable, and worker-friendly manner.
