Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Government has postponed the 2025 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), which was scheduled to open Saturday, 22 November 2025, in Enugu State, citing heightened insecurity and what officials described as a sombre national atmosphere that makes a major celebration inappropriate at this time.
NAFEST, Nigeria’s flagship cultural festival, is organized annually by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy through the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).
The festival brings together artists, dancers, cultural troupes, school performers, artisans, and exhibitors from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to showcase the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Beyond entertainment, NAFEST promotes national unity, creative industry development, and cultural tourism, making it one of the most significant cultural events on the national calendar.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy said the decision was reached “after a careful assessment of the national mood, in light of recent insecurity incidents that have caused pain and disruption across different parts of the country.” The postponement was approved by the Minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa, after consultations with security agencies and key cultural stakeholders.
Musawa said proceeding with the festival under the current circumstances would be insensitive, noting that the decision reflects “the values of empathy, national unity and collective sensitivity.” According to her, “it is more respectful and responsible to postpone the festival rather than proceed at a time when many citizens are grieving.”
Before the announcement, the festival had already welcomed 28 state contingents into Enugu. Artists, dancers, cultural troupes, school performers, exhibitors and officials had completed rehearsals and technical checks across major venues. Many were left disappointed when the postponement directive arrived from Abuja on Saturday morning. Teams that gathered at the International Conference Centre were informed of the development by security personnel on duty.
READ ALSO : Igue Festival: Spiritual Heartbeat of The Benin Kingdom
Breaking the New Yam: How the ‘Iri Ji’ Festival Keeps the Igbo Spirit Alive
Despite the setback, the Enugu State Government said it understands the national context and supports the Federal Government’s position. Governor Peter Mbah described the postponement as unfortunate but necessary, insisting that Enugu remains “fully prepared and eager to host NAFEST whenever it returns.”
“We respect the national mood and stand with the Federal Government,” Mbah said. “But we assure all Nigerians that whenever NAFEST returns, Enugu will rise to the occasion in grand style.”
State officials said they had spent months preparing venues, arranging logistics, clearing accommodation facilities and deploying a comprehensive security framework designed to host thousands of visitors. They described the postponement as a pause rather than a derailment of plans.
Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Obi Asika, also endorsed the decision, stressing that the moment calls for sensitivity and collective responsibility.
“We regret this necessary postponement, but we fully understand and respect the gravity of the moment,” Asika said. “Nigeria’s connected culture remains one of our greatest national assets. Through NAFEST and our other platforms, we will continue to promote unity, resilience and the power of our shared cultural heritage.”
The Ministry said a new date for the festival will be announced after further consultations with state governments, security agencies and cultural institutions, ensuring the event holds in an atmosphere befitting a national celebration.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to showcasing Nigeria’s cultural diversity, promising “an even stronger and more unifying NAFEST at the appropriate time.”
Meanwhile, cultural analysts and hospitality experts have generally welcomed the decision, describing it as a responsible step toward safeguarding thousands of performers and visitors who would have travelled from across the country.
“Most contingents travel by road,” noted hospitality consultant Chief Mike Mgboh. “We all know what is happening in many parts of the country, particularly the North. It would be unfair to subject them to hazardous trips at this time.”
For the thousands who had prepared for Enugu’s 2025 cultural showcase, the postponement is a sobering reminder of how insecurity continues to shape national life. Yet the optimism from Enugu officials and the NCAC suggests that when NAFEST eventually returns, it may carry even greater national significance and a renewed sense of purpose.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
