The National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) has urged the federal government to strengthen governance and institutional support in the creative sector.

In a statement on Friday to mark World Theatre Day (WTD), NANTAP president, Adeniran Makinde, said theatre could not promote peace when practitioners operate under economic strain and administrative uncertainty.

WTD is celebrated annually on March 27 to highlight the essence, beauty, and importance of theatre arts. It also celebrates the significant role of theatre in entertainment and its symbolic impact on life.

Speaking on the theme, “Theatre: A Culture of Peace,”  Mr Makinde said theatre has historically served as a platform for dialogue, healing, and national unity.

He, however, warned that structural challenges facing practitioners continue to weaken the industry.

“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.

According to him, theatre remains a sacred space for dialogue that allows society to confront truth and preserve cultural memory.

He described the National Arts Theatre as a national cultural monument and a spiritual artistic home for practitioners.

He noted that concerns persist over 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.

He called for greater transparency and structured engagement with theatre practitioners in the management of the institution.

He added that programming must reflect national artistic inclusion, access must be fair and not prohibitive, while cultural governance must be participatory, not distant.

Mr Makinde highlighted practitioners’ challenges, saying many still struggle with limited rehearsal spaces, high revenue costs, infrastructural delays, and policy inconsistencies, which create uncertainty in the industry.

He stressed the need for government support, urging President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the federal ministry overseeing culture and the creative economy 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.

The NANTAP president said the creative industry is one of Nigeria’s most powerful soft-power assets.

He added that a well-supported theatre sector would create employment for youths, strengthen cultural diplomacy, and promote social cohesion.

Mr Makinde reaffirmed the association’s commitment to ethical practice, artistic excellence, and national unity. 

(NAN)