In Nigeria, a bill proposing to remove the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has been welcomed by Nollywood filmmakers, actors, industry analysts, and other relevant players. The NFVCB is a Nigerian Government entity that oversees its film and video industry. It was founded in 1993. By legislation, the Board has the authority to classify all films and videos, whether they are imported or created locally. It is also responsible for registering all film and video outlets across the country and maintaining the list of those who have done so. In addition, it offers federal and state governments policy advice following international best practices.
According to Nigerian News Agency (NAN), stakeholders provided the compliment at a roundtable on Wednesday in Abuja. The gathering’s objective was to get feedback on the already scheduled public hearing before the National Assembly. The event was attended by board members, filmmakers, investors, and officials from several Nollywood guilds from across the country. According to NAN, Mr Olusegun Odebunmi, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Surulere/ Ogo Oluwa constituency in Oyo State, is the bill’s sponsor.
The National Film and Video Censors Board Act, Cap No.40 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, is repealed. The National Film and Video Regulatory Commission of Nigeria Act is enacted. It aims to change the name of the film industry’s regulatory agency from National Film and Video Classification Commission to National Film and Video Classification Commission.
In his remarks, Mr Adedayo Thomas, the Executive Director/CEO of the NFVCB, stated that the enabling legislation that established the Board nearly three decades ago was no longer appropriate to deal with the developing realities of the digital age.
The present law had existed since 1993 when the Board was created; according to him, the proposed law will drastically limit the sale of unclassified and unauthorized films and piracy while also increasing investor returns and ensuring that the motion picture industry contributes more to GDP. He added that the new law would make it more challenging to sell, distribute, and show unedited and other illegal local and foreign films when passed.
