…as MultiChoice Talent Factory Students Visit Lagos Office
The Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen film regulation in Nigeria, particularly across digital platforms.
Husseini spoke on Wednesday while hosting students of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Acting Academy at the Board’s Lagos office. The visit, led by Academy Director Akaoma Onyeonoru, was part of an industry excursion aimed at exposing emerging Nollywood actors to film regulation processes and compliance requirements.
Addressing the students, Husseini stressed that the sustainability of Nollywood depends not only on creativity but also on adherence to regulatory standards and cultural responsibility. He warned that no film should be distributed or exhibited in Nigeria without classification, adding that the Board would intensify enforcement efforts, especially online.
According to him, the NFVCB is working with digital platforms under existing agreements to remove unclassified Nigerian films. He urged filmmakers to comply with statutory requirements, noting that the classification and registration process has been streamlined and can now be completed entirely online, reducing delays and eliminating the need for physical visits.
The NFVCB boss also disclosed that the Board is reintroducing online classification mechanisms and deploying the Magpie verification system to improve transparency and compliance monitoring within the industry.
On concerns about censorship, Husseini clarified that the Board has not banned money ritual themes in films. Rather, he explained, such content must include appropriate disclaimers and depict consequences that discourage harmful imitation. He added that the Board remains focused on curbing the glamorisation of tobacco use, narcotics and ritual practices on screen.
He further clarified that films screened exclusively at festivals and not intended for public release may not require classification. However, any production distributed to the general public must undergo the statutory classification process. Documentary films, he noted, must maintain factual accuracy and may also require classification depending on their distribution scope.
Addressing technological trends, Husseini said the use of Artificial Intelligence in film production must be transparently disclosed, with indemnity agreements executed before distribution.
Beyond regulatory enforcement, he outlined plans to support industry growth through stakeholder workshops, monetisation training and legal compliance sessions. The Board is also considering lower-cost licensing options for smaller cinema operators, while maintaining safeguards against abuse.
Husseini reiterated his long-term vision of establishing a national film and video library to preserve Nigeria’s cinematic heritage.
During the visit, the students toured the Board’s archives and preview facilities and engaged officials in discussions about licensing, censorship procedures and career opportunities within the regulatory framework.
The engagement concluded with an interactive session and exchange of tokens, as the students expressed appreciation for the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the country’s film regulatory system.