NFVCB eyes Kaduna as next frontier for indigenous film growth

By Damiete Braide

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) is intensifying efforts to expand Nigeria’s film industry beyond its traditional strongholds, with Kaduna State emerging as a key destination in the agency’s latest push for indigenous film development, talent empowerment, and industry regulation.

This renewed commitment was unveiled during a stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, at the Federal Secretariat Conference Hall in Kaduna. The gathering brought together filmmakers, representatives of industry guilds and associations, and officials from the Kaduna State Ministry of Business and Innovation in what many participants described as a timely and productive dialogue on the future of filmmaking in Northern Nigeria.

At the heart of the discussions was the NFVCB’s plan to host the grand finale of the Nigerian Indigenous Film Showcase in Kaduna, a move expected to place the state firmly on the map as a growing creative and cultural hub. The proposed showcase is projected to stimulate economic activity, spotlight local storytelling, and create opportunities for filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs across the region.

Dr. Husseini said the Board’s broader vision is to ensure that the creative economy contributes meaningfully to national development while opening up opportunities for practitioners outside established centres such as Lagos and Abuja. According to him, Kaduna possesses the cultural depth, creative talent, and youthful energy required to support a thriving indigenous film ecosystem.

The engagement also provided stakeholders with the opportunity to raise concerns about industry challenges, regulatory bottlenecks, and the evolving realities of film distribution in the digital age. Participants engaged openly with the NFVCB leadership, seeking clarification on licensing procedures, content approval processes, and support mechanisms for filmmakers operating in emerging markets.

Responding to the concerns, Dr. Husseini reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to strengthening professionalism within the industry through continuous engagement and strategic training initiatives. He disclosed that the NFVCB is preparing a series of capacity-building programmes aimed at equipping filmmakers, producers, writers, and other creative professionals with modern skills and industry knowledge necessary to compete in a rapidly changing global entertainment landscape.

The NFVCB boss, however, struck a firm tone on issues relating to regulation and compliance. He warned that the era of unauthorized film releases on YouTube and other digital platforms without proper approval from the Board would no longer be tolerated. Stressing the importance of maintaining standards, he urged filmmakers and content creators to comply with existing regulations designed to protect the integrity of the Nigerian film industry.

Also speaking at the event, the Acting Director of Licensing and Documentation at the NFVCB, Mrs. Rhoda Dandura, emphasized the need for filmmakers to embrace responsible storytelling. She encouraged content creators to pay greater attention to the moral and cultural implications of their productions, particularly as young people remain highly influenced by film and digital media.

According to her, storytelling should not only entertain but also promote positive values capable of shaping responsible future leaders. She urged industry practitioners to become more intentional about the kind of narratives they project to society.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Husseini assured stakeholders that the Kaduna engagement would not be a one-off event. He pledged the Board’s continued support for filmmakers in the state and promised to return soon to sustain discussions and monitor progress on the planned showcase and training initiatives.

The stakeholders welcomed the assurances with optimism, describing the meeting as both enlightening and encouraging. Representatives of the Kaduna State Ministry of Business and Innovation also pledged support for the planned showcase and training programmes.

For many participants, the engagement signaled a new chapter in the NFVCB’s efforts to combine effective regulation with genuine industry development, while positioning Kaduna as a rising force in Nigeria’s indigenous film movement.