In a significant move to strengthen Nigeria's film industry beyond the traditional hubs, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has signaled strong commitment to growing the creative sector in Kaduna State, with plans to host the grand finale of the Nigerian Indigenous Film Showcase in the state.
The announcement came during a high-level stakeholders' engagement hosted by NFVCB Executive Director/CEO, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, at the Federal Secretariat Conference Hall in Kaduna recently.
The interactive session brought together representatives from various film associations, guilds and representatives of the Kaduna State Ministry of Business and Innovation, providing a platform for open dialogue on industry practices, regulatory compliance, and strategies for sustainable development. Stakeholders arrived with pressing questions and concerns, many of which Dr. Husseini addressed proactively in his presentation, offering clear guidance on the road ahead.
Dr. Husseini emphasized the Board's vision of leveraging the creative industry to add tangible value to Kaduna State and other parts of the country. He reiterated plans to bring the grand finale of the Nigerian Indigenous Film Showcase to Kaduna, a move expected to boost local production, talent development, and economic activity in the region's emerging film ecosystem.
He also reaffirmed the Board's dedication to capacity building, announcing upcoming training programmes designed to equip practitioners with modern skills needed to compete and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
On regulation, Dr. Husseini issued a firm warning that unapproved releases on YouTube and other platforms will no longer be tolerated. He urged filmmakers to strictly adhere to established guidelines to uphold professionalism and maintain high industry standards.
In her remarks, Mrs. Rhoda Dandura, Acting Director of the Licensing and Documentation Department, called on stakeholders to exercise greater responsibility in content creation. She stressed the need for conscious, value-driven storytelling, particularly to protect younger audiences who represent the nation's future leaders.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Husseini assured participants of the Board's continued commitment to regular engagements and sector-wide development. He promised to return to Kaduna in the near future to build on the momentum generated by the meeting.
The stakeholders described the session as productive and insightful, underscoring the NFVCB's resolve to balance effective regulation with deliberate efforts to nurture growth, especially in emerging film centers like Kaduna. They left with renewed optimism about the Board's supportive role in fostering a more professional, inclusive, and economically viable Nigerian film industry. The representative of the Ministry of Business and Innovation, Mr. Zwahu Yanwaidi pledged the support of the Ministry in facilitating the hosting of the showcase and in the planned training programme for creatives across the state.
