The National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) has called on the Federal Government to strengthen governance, policy implementation, and institutional support within the creative sector.
In a statement issued Friday to mark World Theatre Day (WTD), NANTAP President, Adeniran Makinde, highlighted that theatre cannot thrive or foster peace when practitioners face economic challenges and administrative uncertainties.
World Theatre Day, celebrated annually on March 27, recognises the cultural, social, and artistic significance of theatre, as well as its role in promoting dialogue, reflection, and national unity.
Addressing the theme of this year’s celebration, “Theatre: A Culture of Peace”, Makinde noted that theatre has historically been a platform for dialogue, healing, and societal cohesion. However, he warned that structural challenges continue to undermine the sector.
“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict. Peace is the presence of justice. Peace is not silence. Peace is the assurance that voices are heard.Peace is not decoration. Peace is structure,” he said.
He added that theatre provides a sacred space where society can confront truth and preserve cultural memory. Makinde described the National Arts Theatre as a national monument and spiritual home for practitioners, noting concerns about its administration under the new board.
“It represents our collective artistic memory. It should be the epicentre of creative peace, artistic innovation and professional dignity,” he said, urging stronger transparency and structured engagement with theatre practitioners in the management of the institution.
Makinde emphasised that programming should reflect national artistic inclusion, provide equitable access, and ensure cultural governance is participatory rather than distant. He highlighted ongoing challenges, including limited rehearsal spaces, high production costs, infrastructural delays, and inconsistent policies, all of which create uncertainty within the industry.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the federal ministry overseeing culture and the creative economy as a key driver for national development.
“The ministry must not merely exist, it must function Policies must not merely be announced, they must be implemented.
Boards must not merely be inaugurated, they must be accountable.Government support for theatre is not charity, it is nation building. It is peace building,” he said.
Makinde also stressed the sector’s potential as a soft-power asset, capable of creating employment for youths, enhancing cultural diplomacy, and fostering social cohesion.
He concluded by reaffirming NANTAP’s dedication to ethical practice, artistic excellence, and national unity.
