Classifying Stories.
Shaping the Industry.
The National Film and Video Censors Board classifies every film and video work shown in Nigeria and licences those who distribute and exhibit them — protecting the viewing public while giving Nollywood a trusted framework to grow in.
Classification 1 of 7
G · General Exhibition
Suitable for all audiences. Content contains nothing that would harm or disturb any age group, including young children.
Films approved, month by month
The Board publishes every classified title in a monthly register — 211 titles across the last 3 listings, each with its rating, runtime and consumer advice.
Is it classified?
Every film and video work shown, sold or streamed in Nigeria must be classified by the Board. A few seconds of checking protects your family and the creators behind the work.
- 1
Look for the symbol
Every approved work carries its classification symbol on the jacket, poster or opening frame. - 2
Check the register
The Board publishes every classified title, month by month, in the approved-movies register. - 3
Report what doesn't add up
No symbol, a forged certificate or an unlicensed outlet? Let the Board know and its field teams will follow up.
Know before you watch
Three statutory duties, one mandate
Empowered by the NFVCB Act 85 of 1993 to classify all films and video works — whether imported or produced locally — and to register every film and video outlet in the country.
Classification & Censorship
Every film, music video, skit and video game exhibited or distributed in Nigeria must be classified by the Board — whether produced locally or imported.
View ratings & feesLicensing & Documentation
Distributor, exhibitor, premises, mobile and online licences across five categories — from a community cinema to a multinational streaming platform.
Browse licence categoriesEnforcement & Compliance
Field operations nationwide detect and prosecute infringement — unclassified content, forged certificates and unlicensed distribution.
See infringementsFrom the Board
More from the Board
- 02
Richard Mofe-Damijo To Deliver Keynote At PAO Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference.
press release20 October 2026
- 03
NFVCB, JICA Delegation Explore Collaboration to Strengthen Nigeria’s Creative Industry
news6 October 2026
- 04
TRIBUE TO AN ICON: Honouring the Eternal Legacy of Uncle Olu Jacobs
announcement18 September 2026
Seven symbols that tell every viewer what they are about to watch
Classification restricts access to adult content by minors and gives parents advance information about a film's suitability. Every approved work must display its symbol on packaging, advertising and on screen.
General Exhibition
Suitable for all audiences. Content contains nothing that would harm or disturb any age group, including young children.
Parental Guidance
General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. Parents are advised to watch with younger children.
12 Years and Above
Suitable only for persons of 12 years and over. Not to be supplied to any person below that age.
12 Years and Above (Accompanied)
Suitable for 12 years and above, but younger children may watch when accompanied by a responsible adult who has deemed the content appropriate.
15 Years and Above
Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over. Content may include stronger language, themes, or references not appropriate for younger audiences.
18 Years and Above
Suitable only for adults aged 18 and over. Content may include adult themes, strong language, nudity, or violence.
Restricted Exhibition
Content is restricted to specific controlled exhibition settings only, such as licensed adult venues. Not for general public distribution.
From a nascent regulator to a world-class institution
Over thirty years NFVCB has grown alongside the industry it regulates — meeting each new format, market and platform with a framework built for it.
Five licence families. Every scale of operation.
Whether you run a community cinema in a rural LGA or a streaming service reaching millions, there is a licence category defined for you — with published fees and requirements.
Licences renew annually. Renew before expiry and pay 20% of the new fee.
Renewal terms →Six steps from finished cut to classification certificate
Valid applications are classified within 20 working days, and certificates issued within 5 working days of the decision.
NFVCB Business Online — Coming Soon
A full online application will bring electronic submission, application tracking and digital certificate download to every stakeholder.
Prepare Your Work
Complete Application Form
Pay Applicable Fees
Submit to NFVCB
Await Classification
Receive Certificate
A head office, six zones, and a centre close to you
From Jos to Port Harcourt, Kano to Ikorodu, the Board maintains zonal offices and state centres so that no filmmaker, distributor or exhibitor is far from a classification desk.
1
Head office, Abuja FCT
6
Geo-political zonal offices
29
Offices & state centres
9
Verification email desks
Nigeria's film regulatory framework can rank among the best in the world. We have the talent, the legislation, and now the strategy. NFVCB is determined to reduce bureaucracy, embrace technology, and make our services accessible to every stakeholder across Nigeria.
Dr. Shaibu Husseini — Executive DirectorChair, AMAA Selection Committee (16 yrs) · Oxford Blavatnik Alumni · Golden Globes VoterIt is illegal to distribute or exhibit any film not classified by the NFVCB
It is equally illegal to distribute films and video works without a distributor’s licence. Get classified, get licensed, and trade with confidence.