Enhanced collaboration, cooperation, key to unlock creative sector full potential – Dr Husseini, NFVCB boss

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s film and creative industries has said that enhanced collaboration and cooperation, will help the sector unlock its full potential, drive economic growth, and promote cultural development. They disclosed this at the 4th edition of the Peace Anyiam Osigwe (PAO) Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference, hosted by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).

The conference, held from Thursday 14 to Friday 15 November with the theme ‘Film and Video Regulation in the Digital Age: Balancing Creativity and Responsibility,’ featured insightful discussions, ideas exchange, and innovative solutions to industry challenges.

With 12 panel discussions and over 36 distinguished panellists, discussions spanned themes such as crafting globally appealing narratives, addressing legal and practical issues in AI-driven film and TV production, understanding global distribution demands, and navigating the dynamics of studio and independent film financing.

Other sessions tackled strategies for maximising audience impact and returns, preserving cultural heritage, documenting stories for emerging audiences, empowering women in film and digital media, addressing challenges in classification, collective management, and bargaining in the digital age.

The conference attracted prominent dignitaries, including the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, who was represented by Tola Akerele; founder and chairman of EbonyLife Group, Mo Abudu, who delivered the keynote address; former member of the Senate, Ben Bruce, George Anyiam-Osigwe, Kennedy Anyiam-Osigwe, Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe and Joke Silva.

Others are former DG of the NFVCB, Emeka Mba; Fidelis Duker, Mildred Okwo, Kene Okwuosa, Francis Onwochie, Joy Odiete, Ope Ajayi, Michael Williams, Funmi Onuma, Naz Onuzo, Uche Agbo, Patrick Lee, Mary Njoku, Charles Novia, and Ruth Kadiri, who as panelists, explored a wide range of topics critical to the growth and development of the sector.

Also in attendance are actors and filmmakers of repute including Andy Boyo, Segun Arinze, Abdulrazak Abdullahi, Kazeem Adeoti, Mahmood Alli-Balogun, Teco Benson, Adebukola Agbanioloja, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Victor Okhai, Lancelot Imasuen, and Wunmi Toriola, as well as Olumide Iyanda.

In her keynote address, Abudu emphasised the importance of retaining authenticity in Nigerian and African storytelling for global audiences, and highlighted the necessity of collaboration, noting that only some people can succeed in isolation.

Earlier in his welcome address, NFVCB Executive Director, Dr Shaibu Husseini underscored the conference’s aim to provide a platform for industry professionals, thought leaders and innovators to share knowledge, collaborate, and transition seamlessly from traditional to digital content consumption in Nigeria. He encouraged filmmakers and content creators to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity while also embracing responsibility.

“As we are gathered to exchange ideas, forge new partnerships, and chart a course for Nigeria’s digital content regulation future, I want to emphasize the importance of collaboration and cooperation in our shared goal of promoting vibrant and responsible creative sector.

“Those who have followed the conference since its inception in 2021 would agree that conversations have been constructive and open. It has annually focused on creating an enabling environment for businesses and investors while ensuring appropriate regulation of the activities of filmmakers, streaming services, and digital content providers,” Dr Husseini said.

“Since our work has the power to shape minds and influence culture, it’s crucial that we balance artistic expression with sensitivity and respect for our audience. By doing so, we are not only upholding the integrity of our industry but also contributing to a more informed and empathetic society,” he added.

Further speaking, Husseini, who is the sixth Executive Director/Director-General of the NFVCB, stressed that the board remains steadfast in its mission to foster a regulatory framework that stimulates the growth of the creative sector and safeguards the interests of consumers and stakeholders.

He reaffirmed the board’s dedication to nurturing a dynamic and responsible creative industry, underscoring the conference’s significance as a vital step toward realising this vision.

“Since taking office in March 2024, I have led a remarkable team of staff and management committed to shifting the focus from censorship to classification. This approach ensures that films and video content are appropriately categorised for diverse audiences.

“When our bill, which is currently receiving attention at the National Assembly, is amended, the term ‘censorship’ will be completely missing from our new name. We will officially be known as a classification organisation, and our pay-off will be simply ‘The Classifier,’” he enthused.

Additionally, the NFVCB Director highlighted that the organisation has significantly reduced film classification turnaround times, streamlining the process for filmmakers to obtain certification quickly with the introduction of an online class system. “Plans to transition fully to digital operations by January 2025 will make it more convenient for filmmakers and content creators nationwide to classify their works,” he said.

“Importantly, since I assumed office, we have promoted media literacy, empowering audiences to evaluate content critically. We have collaborated and are still talking with digital platform owners to protect consumers from harmful content. Significantly, we have strengthened international partnerships for exchanges and intellectual property protection.

“All this would not have been possible without the support of the staff and management. Therefore, I would like to acknowledge our team’s hard work and dedication at the NFVCB and appreciate the support of our partners and stakeholders, without whom this event would not have been possible,” Dr Husseini stated.

He appreciated Minister Musawa’s unwavering support and visionary leadership of the creative sector and the NFVCB, and highlighted that under her leadership, the creative industry has made significant progress in its development.

He also commended the National Assembly for its steadfast commitment to the growth and development of the creative sector, noting that their continued support empowered the NFVCB to carry out its responsibilities effectively, adding that conference is organised as a result of foresightedness of his predecessor, Adebayo Thomas, who birthed it.