The Role of National Troupe of Nigeria in Preserving and Promoting Cultural Heritage

This study evaluates the role of the National Troupe of Nigeria in the preservation and promotion of Nigeria's diverse cultural heritage through performance. Established as a government agency mandated to document, preserve, and popularise Nigerian performing arts, the National Troupe serves as a key institutional actor in the nation's cultural economy. The research examines the Troupe's programming, outreach activities, and policy frameworks, assessing how effectively it fulfils its mandate in the context of contemporary challenges including funding shortfalls and shifting public entertainment preferences. Data were gathered through review of annual reports, interviews with current and former Troupe members and administrators, and observation of selected performances in Abuja and Lagos. The study finds that the National Troupe has made significant contributions to the documentation and staging of diverse Nigerian performance traditions but is constrained by chronic underfunding and limited public visibility. The reliance on a narrow performance repertoire and infrequent touring reduces the Troupe's broader cultural impact. The research concludes that institutional reform, increased budgetary allocation, and strategic digital engagement are necessary to revitalise the National Troupe's cultural mandate. Keywords: National Troupe of Nigeria, cultural preservation, performance, heritage, government arts policy.