The Stage for Nigeria’s Cultural Story.
About NAFEST
The National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) is Nigeria’s premier cultural event, celebrating the nation’s unity in diversity through creativity, tradition, and innovation. Established in 1970 and organized annually by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), NAFEST brings together the 36 states and the FCT in a grand showcase of music, dance, cuisine, crafts, and fashion. More than a festival, it is a national movement that promotes peace, social integration, and economic empowerment through culture. Each edition highlights Nigeria’s evolving creative industry while preserving its timeless heritage. NAFEST remains the stage where culture connects people, inspires pride, and tells the powerful story of a united and vibrant Nigeria.
Highlights of NAFEST 2024
About NAFEST 2025
NAFEST 2025, themed “Connected Culture,” is the 37th edition of Nigeria’s National Festival of Arts and Culture — a vibrant celebration of creativity, heritage, and unity. Hosted in Enugu, the event brings together states, cultural practitioners, investors, media, and tourists in a nine-day showcase of performances, exhibitions, and innovation. Stakeholders benefit through national visibility, networking opportunities, and cultural exchange that foster collaboration and investment in Nigeria’s creative economy. More than a festival, NAFEST 2025 is a platform for growth, connection, and cultural empowerment.
Past NAFEST Themes and Dates
Overview:
The formative years of NAFEST — where Nigeria’s artistic identity took root through dance, music, and the visual and literary arts.
Themes & Venues:
1970 – Lagos: Dance
1971 – Ibadan: Dance
1972 – Kaduna: Dance
1974 – Kaduna & Lagos: Dance and Music
1982 – Port Harcourt: Visual Arts
1983 – Maiduguri: Literary Arts
1988 – Lagos: Dance
1989 – Bauchi: Culture and National Economic Recovery
Overview:
A decade of expansion — NAFEST matured into a national platform celebrating creativity, industry, and communication as drivers of unity and development.
Themes & Venues:
1990 – Kaduna: Promotion of Crafts and National Cultural Development
1992 – Abuja: Culture and Democracy
1994 – Calabar: African Fashion and Textiles
1995 – Abeokuta: The Art of Metal Technology in Nigeria
1996 – Jos: Marketing Nigeria’s Culture through Crafts
1997 – Abuja: Culture and the Art of Communication
1999 – Abuja: The Past in the Future: Culture and Development in the New Millennium
Overview:
NAFEST regained national attention with new focus on peace, dialogue, empowerment, and national pride through cultural expression.
Themes & Venues:
2002 – Port Harcourt: Celebrating the Culture of Peace and Dialogue
2003 – Owerri: Nigeria: Our People, Our Art and Our Heritage
2004 – Kaduna: Using Culture to Build the Nation
2005 – Abeokuta: Culture as a Tool for National Reform
2006 – Yenagoa: Culture, Job Creation and Youth Empowerment
2007 – Makurdi: Job Creation and Youth Empowerment
2008 – Enugu: Culture and the Challenges of Our Time: Promoting the Nigerian Dress Culture
2009 – Minna: Culture and the Challenges of Our Time: Cultural Industries and Wealth Creation
2010 – Uyo: Cultural Industries and Economic Empowerment
2011 – Calabar: Nigerian Traditional Music: A Vehicle for Economic Transformation and Unity
2012 – Ilorin: Culture, Peace and Economic Empowerment
2013 – Yenagoa: Culture, Peace and National Transformation
2014 – Abakaliki: Celebrating Nigeria @100: The Role of Culture as a Vehicle for National Unity
Overview:
Culture became a recognized force for economic growth and post-pandemic resilience, showcasing innovation in Nigeria’s creative industries.
Themes & Venues:
2016 – Uyo: Exploring the Goldmine Inherent in Nigeria’s Creative Industries
2017 – Kaduna: Nigeria: Peace and Unity – Our Pride
2018 – Port Harcourt: Nigeria: Our Festivals, Our Heritage
2019 – Benin City: Nigeria: Our Royalty, Our Pride
2020 – Jos: Post COVID-19 and Cultural Dynamism
Overview:
A time of digital expansion and renewed collaboration — NAFEST embraces technology, creative entrepreneurship, and global partnerships.
Themes & Venues:
2021 – Ado-Ekiti: Celebrating National Unity in Diversity
2022 – Ikeja, Lagos: Culture and Peaceful Co-existence
2023 – Abuja: 1st National Stakeholders’ Review Conference on NAFEST (Dec 5–8, 2023)
2024 – FCT Abuja: Connected Culture
Your Guide to the Festival
NAFEST offers a vibrant platform for investors seeking opportunities in Nigeria’s growing creative economy. From cultural industries and tourism to fashion, food, film, and crafts, the festival opens doors to partnerships that blend heritage with innovation. As a brand aligned with NAFEST, you connect with millions across all 36 states and the FCT, gaining authentic visibility and national goodwill. Join us in empowering creativity, supporting sustainable ventures, and driving economic diversification through culture.
📩 Contact: info@ncac.gov.ng | 📞 Dr. Dennis Olofu +234 803 372 9477
Delegates are the lifeblood of NAFEST — representing their states, organizations, and communities with pride. As a delegate, you’ll engage in competitions, exhibitions, and cultural showcases that highlight Nigeria’s creative diversity. The festival provides an invaluable platform for networking, learning, and collaboration among cultural practitioners, policymakers, and innovators. Experience the power of culture as a tool for unity and development while showcasing your region’s unique heritage.
📩 Contact: info@ncac.gov.ng | 📞 Dr. Dennis Olofu +234 803 372 9477
Each participating state plays a vital role in celebrating Nigeria’s identity through its art, language, and traditions. NAFEST gives states the opportunity to showcase their best talents and innovations, compete in cultural events, and strengthen inter-state relationships. Beyond the performances, the festival encourages states to leverage their creative resources for tourism growth and community empowerment. Join the movement that celebrates Nigeria’s unity in diversity.
📩 Contact: info@ncac.gov.ng | 📞 Dr. Dennis Olofu +234 803 372 9477
NAFEST welcomes media organizations and content creators to partner in amplifying Nigeria’s cultural story. Through exclusive access, interviews, and live coverage opportunities, the media becomes a key driver in projecting the festival’s impact locally and globally. Capture the rhythms, colors, and conversations that define this national celebration. Media collaborations help inspire cultural pride and promote Nigeria as a leading creative hub in Africa.
📩 Contact: info@ncac.gov.ng | 📞 Dr. Dennis Olofu +234 803 372 9477
NAFEST is a cultural adventure that invites visitors to experience the true spirit of Nigeria. From music and dance to crafts, cuisine, and heritage tours, every moment offers a glimpse into the nation’s soul. Whether you’re exploring state pavilions or enjoying the nightlife and markets of the host city, the festival promises warmth, color, and unforgettable memories. Discover the beauty of our diversity and feel the rhythm of Nigeria.
📩 Contact: info@ncac.gov.ng | 📞 Dr. Dennis Olofu +234 803 372 9477