The Joint Congress of 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 raised concerns over the continued denial of access to designated offices at the National Theatre Complex in Lagos.
At a world news conference, the Unions condemned the situation, citing worker displacement and suspicions surrounding the concession of the national edifice.
To this end, the Joint Unions of the National Theatre, including RATTAWU and AUPCTRE, staged a peaceful procession around the complex, carrying placards with messages such as“18 months is now 5 years—workers are still under trees;” “Loss of billions of naira in revenue while keeping us under trees;” “National Theatre is not for sale;” and “Workers deserve rest and peace of mind in their offices.”
Speaking after the procession, Comrade Ishmail Adejumo, Chairman of RATTAWU, Lagos State Chapter, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and reopen the National Theatre for workers.
"Despite a series of meetings, consultations, and letters to appropriate quarters informing them about our members' challenges, since the renovation, we have been seeing some clandestine movement in and around this complex."
"And that's why we are calling on President Bola Tinubu, the honorable.
Minister for Arts and Culture and Creative Economy, the house committee chairman in the lower and upper chamber, and all critical stakeholders to quickly as a matter of urgency open this national iconic symbol and allow them access". Adejimo appealed
Comrade Adejumo expressed concerns over an alleged concession plan, warning that it could lead to mass job losses.
" The prolonged restriction has not only affected productivity but has also caused psychological distress and professional displacement". He stated
On his part, the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Chapter, Comrade Olabisi Adebayo, emphasized that the National Theatre is a national heritage and that workers were initially told they would be back in their offices after 18 months.
However, five years later, they are still working under trees.
He outlined key demands to include relocation of workers to their offices and the provision of a conducive working environment.
According to Adebayo, All the staff are working under trees whereby we have a very beautiful structure on the ground. While our men are under the trees, they are still working and generating income.
" And if we can work in a conducive environment we are going to add to that. All those money that we have lost now, invariably will affect the economy". Adebayo
He explained and I quote, "The former minister of information and culture told us that they would spend 25 billion Naira but they spent 100 billion Naira, and up to date they did not put the structure in operation".
Some affected workers also shared their experiences of working under trees, describing it as challenging and demoralizing.
"Couple with the harsh weather, we have been doing our work, paying into government coffers. Before the renovation commenced, then Minister Alhaji Lai Mohammed, called us that they wanted to renovate the place and after renovation, we are going back to our offices".
Five years back now, the place is under lock. That's why we are calling on government so that we can go back and have a conducive environment", adding that, "the condition has been very harsh, despite the poor working condition, we have been able to still generate revenue into the TSA. "When we experience rainfall, we normally run into a bar where they sell food and drinks, writing memos under trees, that has been our situation". Responders said.
Renovation of the National Theatre began in July 2021 under the Federal Government’s plan to revamp the creative sector and unlock job opportunities for young Nigerians.
It is gathered that the upgrade covers various facilities, including the 4,000-seater main bowl, banquet halls, cinemas, VIP spaces, clinics, fire station, and extensive roof repairs.
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