In Lagos, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to immediately return staff to the rehabilitated National Theatre and restore dignified working conditions.
The Labour Union also called for open and inclusive stakeholders engagement regarding the use añd administration of the National Theatre.
In a statement on Thursday signed by Comrade Funmi Agnes Sessi, NLC Chairman, Lagos State addressed to the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, said, “I write to formally remind you of our earlier correspondence dated 21st May 2025 on the deeply degrading and unacceptable working conditions under which staff of the National Theatre, Lagos, have been forced to operate for an extended period.
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“It is surprising that after 4 months of receipt of our correspondence, nothing has been done to improve workers’ welfare and working conditions.
“Following the recent global media coverage of this matter, the Federal Government appointed a new Board Chairman, Mr Disun Holloway, presumably to address these longstanding issues.
“Regrettably, over three (3) months after his appointment, he has yet to engage directly with staff or address their welfare; rather, his tenure has been marked by secrecy, exclusion, and complete disregard for the plight of workers, who are left to operate in open-air conditions- literally- under trees.
“The NLC wishes to let you know that this is not just about physical working conditions but about our workers’ dignity, rights, and the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.”
“We demand protection of all jobs and keep the commitment made by former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who assured no job losses post-rehabilitation.”
The NLC further alleged that the ongoing situation constitutes a clear violation of both international and national labour standards, including: ILO Convention No. 190 and the Nigeria Labour Act, Section 17, which states:
“Every worker has the right to a safe and suitable working environment once they have presented themselves for duty.”
Taking a hard look at the alleged violation of labour law, it is stated that they are prepared to deploy every lawful tool at their disposal, including full mobilisation, protests, and industrial action, to ensure their demands are met.
It went further to demand a public and transparent resolution of this crisis, and stood with the workers of the National Theatre in defending the future of the iconic edifice.
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