The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, has set a New Year agenda for the Nigerian film industry.
Speaking recently on ‘The Conversation’, an LTV programme, Husseini highlighted the industry’s progress in 2024 and outlined his projections for 2025. Acknowledging the significant impact of social media on the film industry, Husseini described it as a double-edged sword. “While it has created opportunities for youth engagement and content creation, it has also perpetuated piracy and other social vices,” he noted, as he emphasized the need for education and awareness about the implications of piracy.
The NFVCB boss called for a deliberate collaboration and capacity building to close the gap between Nollywood and other major film industries. “To compete with international film industries, there is the need for collaboration among Nigerian producers,” he stressed, citing the example of the Nollywood film, The Wedding Party, which was produced by four major production companies.
The Executive Director also announced plans to establish a scriptwriting lab to improve the skills of local writers. According to him, the establishment of the production lab will reduce the challenges most Nigerian films face in other countries.
“The Board no longer censors films, rather it classifies them. This greatly puts the responsibility of the rating of the film entirely on the filmmaker, because the Board classifies based on the classifiable elements in the film. For instance, some Moslem countries may not allow the showing of films with certain levels of nudity in their jurisdictions. But I’m optimistic that the establishment of the production labs, will enhance the skills of the filmmakers.”
He explained further that despite challenges, Nollywood had a remarkable year in 2024, adding that Queen Latifah alone grossed over N800 million at the box office out of Yuletide season. Other successful films he mentioned included Anikulapo by Kunle Afolayan, House Of GAA and Funmilayo Ramsome-Kuti by Bolanle Austeen Peter’s, Tribe of Judah by Funke Akindele, A Ghetto Love Story by Bright Okpocha, and 7 Doors by Femi Adebayo.
The NFVCB helmsman attributed the industry’s success to the hard work and dedication of filmmakers, as well as the government’s interventions. He revealed that the Minister for Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa, has secured funding which stakeholders can access easily to get grants for their productions.
Husseini also disclosed that the Minister has approved a proposal from the Board to grant a two-year waiver to investors interested in opening a minimum of five community cinemas. The initiative aims to increase revenue generation from the film industry and bring cinema closer to the people at an affordable rate.
Expressing optimism about the potential for growth and global recognition of the industry in 2025, he emphasized the need for skilled professionals in different aspects of film production and encouraged stakeholders to take advantage of the government’s interventions and the NFVCB’s initiatives to develop the industry.
The Executive Director stated that 2025 would see improved funding mechanisms for stakeholders, greater collaborations with streaming platforms, increased number of cinemas and training programmes for youths interested in film production.