Govt rules out sale of National Theatre

THE Federal Government has assured that the National Theatre remains a national monument and will not be sold for whatever reason but said it was open to a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement in the management of the asset.

“We are not averse to a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement that will add value to the iconic complex,’’ the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said yesterday during a visit to the complex as part of the tour of parastatals under his ministry.

He noted that the process of selecting a preferred bidder under the PPP arrangement is currently underway.

“The National Theatre is a national monument and a tourist attraction. We will not allow it to go derelict or become a magnet for hoodlums. This monument is the pride of the nation, and it has always served as the point of convergence for Nigerians seeking fun and relaxation, especially during festive periods, and a centre for the promotion of arts and culture,’’ Mohammed stated.

He said the security around the complex would be ‘beefed up’ to prevent a recurrence of the molestation by hoodlums of fun seekers on Christmas day, and also ensure the safety of the priceless artifacts within the complex.

“It is totally unacceptable that fun-seeking individuals who throng the National Theatre for relaxation during festive periods or at any time will become the victims of attacks by hoodlums”.