Festival Production Management: Planning and Execution of Performing Arts Events in North East Nigeria

This study investigates the professional practice of festival production management in North East Nigeria, examining the planning, logistical coordination, and execution processes involved in staging performing arts events in the region. Festivals such as the Durbar Festival in Maiduguri and various cultural events across Gombe, Yobe, and Adamawa states constitute important platforms for regional cultural expression and economic activity. The research assesses the management competencies and institutional arrangements that support successful festival production and identifies the principal challenges encountered by event managers in the region. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with festival directors, production managers, and state arts officials, supplemented by review of event planning documents and post-event reports. The study finds that festival production in North East Nigeria is hampered by security concerns, limited access to professional production personnel and equipment, and inadequate state financial support. Despite these challenges, community-driven festivals demonstrate considerable resilience and innovation, often mobilising in-kind local resources. The research concludes that professional festival management training and stronger public-private partnerships are essential for the sustainable development of performing arts events in the region. Keywords: festival management, performing arts events, North East Nigeria, production planning, cultural events.