The Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering a regulatory environment that balances creative freedom with cultural sensitivity.

Husseini spoke when he hosted students of MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Acting Academy at the Board’s Lagos office,recently.

The visit, led by the Academy’s Director, Ms. Akaoma Onyeonoru, formed part of an industry excursion designed to expose the next generation of Nollywood actors to the mechanics of film regulation, governance, and ethical compliance.

Husseini described the engagement as timely, stressing that the future of Nollywood depends not only on creative excellence but also on regulatory discipline and cultural responsibility.

He said no film should be distributed or exhibited in Nigeria without proper classification, stressing that the Board is set to intensify enforcement, particularly on digital platforms.

According to him, “NFVCB is working towards removing unclassified Nigerian films on digital platforms inline with the mandate of the Board and its Memorandum of Understanding with the platforms.”

Filmmakers were, therefore, urged to comply with classification requirements as done in developed societies, noting,“steps have been taken to ensure that registration and approvals are speedily granted when submissions meet regulatory standards.”

While saying that the Board is reintroducing online classification mechanisms and deploying the Magpie verification system to enhance transparency, tracking, and compliance within the industry, he said, “the entire process cannow be completed online, eliminating the need for physical visits.”

Addressing critical industry concerns, the NFVCB boss underscored the importance of clear disclaimers in fiction films and ongoing efforts to control the promotion and the glamorisation of tobacco, narcotics use and ritual practices on screen.

He stated that at no time did the Board ban money rituals in movies. Rather what the Board expects is that “movies with such themes must be followed with appropriate disclaimer and corresponding consequences for the depiction.”

He also stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) in film production must be transparently disclosed, with appropriate indemnities executed before distribution.

Beyond regulation, Husseini outlined plans to deepen industry development through stakeholder workshops, monetisation training, and legal compliance sessions.

He further revealed that the Board is exploring lower-cost licensing options for smaller cinema operators, while ensuring safeguards to prevent abuse.

He also reiterated his vision to establish a film and video library dedicated to preserving Nigeria’s film and video heritage for future generations.