By Henry Ebireri
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 state of affairs at the National Theatre Complex. The unions are worried that despite assurances from the then Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the renovation of the National Theatre has not been completed within the promised 18 months, and workers have been displaced
The unions are also rejecting the alternative “under tree offices” provided for the displaced workers, citing the lack of a conducive working environment. They are urging the Federal Government to return the theatre workers to their offices and provide a good working environment
Furthermore, the unions are speaking out against discrepancies in the renovation cost, which was initially estimated to be around N25 billion. The unions are calling for transparency and accountability in the management of the renovation project
The National Theatre Complex has been undergoing renovation since 2020, with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee providing funding for the project. However, the renovation has been plagued by delays and controversies, including allegations of mismanagement and corruption
The unions are now calling on President Tinubu to intervene in the matter and ensure that the National Theatre Complex is renovated to international standards, with a conducive working environment for the workers. They are also demanding that the Federal Government investigate the discrepancies in the renovation cost and ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the project
