The Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Shaibu Husseini, has expressed optimism about Nollywood’s future, describing 2024 as a remarkable year for the industry.
Speaking on Lagos Television’s The Conversation, Dr. Husseini highlighted the significant strides made by the Nigerian film industry and projected even greater achievements in 2025.
He acknowledged the transformative role of social media, calling it 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 said, emphasizing the need for education and awareness to curb piracy.
Dr. Husseini called for collaboration among Nigerian filmmakers, stressing its importance in closing the gap between Nollywood and major global film industries.
He cited Hollywood’s The Wedding Party, produced by four major companies, as a model for success.
To further enhance production quality, Husseini announced plans to establish a scriptwriting lab aimed at equipping local writers with better skills.
He added that proposed production labs would address challenges Nigerian films face in international markets.
Dr. Husseini also clarified that the NFVCB no longer censors films but classifies them based on content, placing responsibility on filmmakers to consider audience sensitivities, especially for international markets.
Despite industry challenges such as funding and censorship restrictions, he praised Nollywood’s achievements in 2024.
He highlighted blockbuster successes, including Queen Latifah, which grossed over N800 million at the box office, Anikulapo by Kunle Afolayan, House of GAA and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti by Bolanle Austen-Peters, Tribe of Judah by Funke Akindele, A Ghetto Love Story by Bright Okpocha, and 7 Doors by Femi Adebayo.
The ED credited the hard work of filmmakers and government support for these successes.
He revealed that the minister of arts, culture, tourism and the creative economy, Hannatu Musawa, had secured funding for stakeholders to access grants more easily.
The NFVCB has also introduced a two-year waiver for investors opening a minimum of five community cinemas, aiming to make cinemas more accessible and increase revenue generation.
Looking ahead, Dr. Husseini expressed confidence that Nollywood would achieve greater global recognition in 2025.
He outlined plans for improved funding mechanisms, collaborations with streaming platforms and training programs for aspiring filmmakers.
He encouraged stakeholders to take advantage of government interventions and NFVCB initiatives, saying, “Nollywood’s best days are ahead.”
