The Festac’77 that brought the assemblage of different cultural troupes across the globe to exhibit their rich cultural heritage in Nigeria encouraged the Federal Government of Nigeria to establish and organise a national cultural troupe that could embark on international tours on behalf of the country. Thus, what therefore became formally known as the National Troupe of Nigeria was approved for establishment at the Council of Ministers’ meeting in November 1981. The objective at the time was to enhance the cultural development and artistic creativity of the Nation. It was also to establish a National repertory system, which was to satisfy the yearnings and aspirations of the professional theatre, dance and music practitioners. In addition to the establishment of the National Theatre and National Troupe Board of Nigeria by the Federal Government of Nigeria through Decree 47 of 1991(The National Theatre and National Troupe of Nigeria Management Board Decree), a national theatre and a national troupe known as ‘National Theatre and National Troupe of Nigeria’ were established.

Under the supervision of the Board, the National Theatre and National Troupe was charged with the responsibilities to:

1. encourage the discovery and development of talent in the performing arts;
2. achieve high artistic productions specifically designed for national and international tours;
3. ensure that production of the troupe are geared towards national aspirations;
4. encourage the development of children theatre;
5. ensure the preservation of repertoire of the Troupe; and
6. ensure that the National Theatre is efficiently managed as a commercial concern.