Executive director and chief executive officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, has expressed optimism about the future of the Nigerian film industry. Speaking on Lagos Television’s programme: “The Conversation,” Husseini highlighted the industry’s progress in 2024 and outlined his projections for 2025.
Dr. Husseini acknowledged the significant impact of social media on the film industry, describing it as a double-edged sword. The Executive Director declared, “While it has created opportunities for youth engagement and content creation, it has also perpetuated piracy and other social vices”.
He emphasized the need for education and awareness about the implications of piracy. Dr Husseini advocated for a deliberate collaboration and capacity building to close the gap between Nollywood and other major film climes. “To compete with international film industries, there is the need for collaboration among Nigerian producers”, he stressed.
He cited the example of the Hollywood film “The Wedding Party,” which was produced by four major production companies. The Executive Director also announced plans to establish a script writing lab to improve the skills of local writers. Dr Husseini stated that the establishment of the proposed production labs will reduce the challenges most Nigerian films face in other countries.
According to him, NFVCB no longer censor films, rather classifies them. This greatly puts the responsibility.
