Infrastructure Development, Collaborative Partnerships Necessary For Film Sector Growth

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr Ali Nuhu, has advocated for continuous massive film infrastructure development as well as sustainable partnerships to aid the growth of Nigeria’s film industry.

Consequently, NFC, he said, “is unwaveringly committed to advancing Nigeria’s film industry through strategic infrastructure upgrades, policy innovation, and global collaboration that catalyses not only the film industry growth of Nigeria but, Africa as a Continent.” 

Speaking at ‘The Reel Balancing Act: Policymakers, Filmmakers, and the Future of Cinema,’ of the Afro-Berlin session – Berlinale Film Festival, in Germany, Nuhu drew attention of panelists and other delegates to Nigeria’s transformative progress under the Federal Government’s roadmap for the creative sector.  Sustainable partnerships, he said, “were needed to position Africa’s cinema as a global powerhouse.” 

He listed some of the interventions by the administration of President Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) that serve as pointers to Nigeria’s film industry development and transformative journey, with massive infrastructure and friendly investment policy initiatives components.
 
Revitalising legacy infrastructure at the NFC while prioritising new initiatives to elevate Nigeria’s film ecosystem he said, are being aggressively being pursued. “When I assumed office, my vision was clear: to build a film industry for our country anchored on world-class infrastructure, enabling policies, and sustainable partnerships. Today, we are witnessing the fruits of our determination and commitment” he stated. Other sectoral milestones to include the recently introduced Tax Reform Bill before the National Assembly which when passed into law will provide incentives for local and international investors in Nigeria’s film sector, especially rebates for film production that utilize local talent, facilities and locations, as well as tax holidays for studios and equipment manufacturers are commendable. “This reform is a game-changer, reducing barriers to investments and empowering filmmakers to dream bigger,” Nuhu averred.  

Furthermore, he commended “government’s resolve to integrate the creative sector into national economic planning, which has ensured that film and culture are no longer afterthoughts but central to Nigeria’s growth agenda.

The National Film Institute (NFI), he said, “is undergoing modernization and transformation, with envisioned facility, faculty upgrade and curricular review intended to equip emerging filmmakers with cutting-edge skills in digital production, animation, and AI-driven storytelling tools.”  

Nuhu  urged African filmmakers and policymakers to unite in addressing challenges such as piracy, funding gaps, and distribution barriers. “Our success lies in collaboration — across borders, sectors, and generations. With improved infrastructure, progressive policies, and global solidarity, African cinema will not only thrive but dominate,” he said.

Meanwhile, NFC has announced a strategic partnership with industry giants Gagu Singh, renowned Producer & Distributor for the Gulf Region, CEO Filmmasterllc, and Moses Babatope, CEO of Nile Entertainment.

Together, we’re bridging the gap between the Nigerian Film Industry and the Gulf Region! Starting April, Nigerian movies will debut in the Gulf Region, following a grand premiere. This monumental collaboration marks a significant milestone in NFC’s mission to showcase Nollywood’s rich storytelling to a broader audience.