Lagos: The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has made an appeal to the Federal Government to officially designate the renovated National Arts Theatre as a venue for the upcoming Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027 scheduled to be held in Lagos. Mr. Damilare Kuti, NYCN Lagos Mainland Coordinator, emphasized in a statement that utilizing the National Theatre for the IATF 2027 would enhance its status both nationally and internationally.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Kuti also urged the newly elected Lagos Mainland Council Chairman, Mr. Jubril Emilagba, to join Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in supporting the initiative to host the event at the National Theatre. He highlighted the comprehensive facilities available at the National Theatre, stating that it is well-equipped to host the IATF 2027 and can significantly contribute to reviving its reputation as a premier destination for global events.
Additionally, Ms. Deborah Adepoju, NYCN Lagos Mainland Spokesperson, expressed the council’s excitement about Lagos being chosen as the host city for the 2027 IATF, which is organized by AfCFTA and Afreximbank. Ms. Adepoju noted that the event is expected to attract over 120,000 visitors and generate trade deals exceeding US$50 billion. The fair is anticipated to feature over 2,100 exhibitors and 20 Heads of State, highlighting the increasing significance of intra-African trade and the creative industries in fostering economic development.
The decision to host the IATF 2027 in Nigeria’s Lagos was announced during the 2025 edition of the fair, which concluded recently in Algiers, Algeria. The National Theatre, recently renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, has been largely unused following its renovation by the Bankers’ Committee, completed on August 28, 2024. The renovation enhanced numerous facilities, including seating areas, exhibition halls, and amenities, while also incorporating external improvements and transportation links.
The National Arts Theatre, originally constructed during the military regime of Gen. Yakubu Gowon and completed in 1976, has a rich history, having been completed in time for Nigeria’s hosting of the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture in 1977. The IATF has been hosted by major African economies since its inception in 2018, with past editions taking place in Egypt, South Africa, and Algeria.