Lagos — Again, far-reaching negotiations are going on for sale of the National Theatre, Iganmu. The Obasanjo government had concessioned the Theatre Complex to a group of investors for 35 years for a staggering sum of N35 billion. This may eventually pave the way for the outright sale of the edifice which was constructed by the then Nigerian military government for the hosting of the second World Black and Africa Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC), in 1977.

Attempts to sell the house of culture in 2002 sparked off mass protests forcing the government to shelve the idea. The renewed moves to sell off the edifice have drawn the ire of many stakeholders and large sections of the public. Chanting war songs recently under the aegis of the National Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), a group of angry Nigerian artistes trooped out en masse to protest the plan to sell off the monument. Similarly, the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) has kicked against the plan.

Obviously, the protesting NANTAP, CORA and other stakeholders speak the minds of many Nigerians. The National Theatre is not just any building. It is the common patrimony of all Nigerians, the pride of the nation and the citadel for the cultural revival and rejuvenation of our people. A people without culture are a people without a past and future. Culture gives identity and meaning to our existence. Besides, in many countries, places of culture like the National Theatre are permanently preserved as national icons.

In an age plagued by eroding cultural values and vanishing national identity, the National Theatre stands as the last vestige of our destroyed culture where the new generation of Nigerians could go to appreciate our rich cultural heritage. Aside from its external splendour and majesty, the beauty of the National Theatre lies in the cultural activities organized in it. Throughout the year, Nigerian playwrights, dramatists, traditional dancers, actors/actresses and cultural troupes showcase their talents at the Theatre. Also the Theatre houses the great paintings and other works of art of many renowned Nigerian artistes. Many primary and secondary school pupils celebrate the Children's Day and October 1 at the Theatre. First-time comers to Lagos go to the Theatre to appreciate the beauty and artistic vibrancy of an urban city life.

The well-founded fear of many Nigerians is that if the Theatre is concessioned or sold off, its significance as a house of culture will probably be compromised or toned downed in such a way that only the rich or the wealthy could gain access to the place and enjoy the activities there. Impelled by profit maximization, it is not impossible that the new investors now jostling to buy off the Theatre will convert it into a big supermarket or shopping maul.

Certainly, we cannot put a price tag on everything in Nigeria under the guise of concessioning or privatization. To put a price tag on our National Monuments is tantamount to putting a price tag on our existence as a people. Rather than concession or sell off the Theatre, the government should seek effective management of the Theatre. After all, the National Theatre Management has been complaining that the government is starving it of funds to run the place. With proper funding and better management, the National Theatre may recover its lost fame and beauty.

Please let this national monument be.