By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Fresh tensions have emerged between the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) following allegations of neglect and poor working conditions at the National Theatre, Lagos.
In a strongly worded letter to the Minister of Labour and Employment, the Lagos State Chairperson of the NLC, Comrade Funmi Agnes Sessi, accused authorities of abandoning staff welfare despite repeated appeals. She noted that an earlier correspondence sent on May 21, 2025, had yielded no improvement, while workers of the iconic cultural monument continue to operate in harsh and undignified circumstances, with some reportedly carrying out their duties under trees.
The union also faulted the leadership style of the newly appointed Board Chairman of the National Theatre, Mr. Disun Holloway, describing his tenure as one marked by secrecy and exclusion. According to the NLC, Holloway has repeatedly held closed-door meetings with the General Manager/CEO, Mrs. Tola Akerele, officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria and members of the Banker’s Committee, while deliberately sidelining staff.
Despite notifying the Lagos State Government, engaging the Federal Ministry of Labour, reaching out to the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, and contacting law enforcement agencies, the union said its efforts had produced no tangible results. It argued that such neglect violates both international and national labour standards, including ILO Convention 190 and Section 17 of the Nigeria Labour Act, which guarantee workers the right to safe and suitable working environments.
The Congress also expressed fears that the Federal Government may be paving the way for a veiled privatization of the National Theatre under the guise of Corporate Social Responsibility, stressing that the cultural landmark belongs to Nigerians and must not be handed over to private interests.
While demanding that staff be returned to the rehabilitated facility under dignified conditions, the union called for open stakeholder engagement, transparency in management, and protection of jobs as promised by former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. It warned that failure to act within 14 days could trigger mass protests, industrial action, and other lawful measures.
“This struggle goes beyond physical working conditions,” the NLC declared. “It is about workers’ dignity, their rights, and the protection of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.”
The Federal Government and relevant ministries are yet to respond to the union’s claims.