NFVCB boss educates Nollywood on how to attract foreign investment

Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Shaibu Husseini, has challenged Nigerian filmmakers to prioritize proper script development, professionalism and attention to detail if the country’s film industry hopes to achieve greater global relevance and attract large international investments.

Husseini gave the charge while speaking at the 2026 annual retreat of The Golden Movie Ambassadors Association of Nigeria (TGMAAN), held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The retreat, themed “Breaking the Ordinary Boundaries in Portrayal (BOLD),” brought together actors, directors, producers, scriptwriters and other stakeholders in the Nigerian film industry to consider ways to position Nollywood beyond the boundaries of conventional and technical storytelling.

Over the years, TGMAAN’s annual retreat has grown into one of the industry’s leading intellectual and networking platforms, aimed at fostering collaboration, mentorship and capacity building among filmmakers and creative professionals.

Founded as a body of film ambassadors, actors and practitioners, TGMAAN consistently uses its annual retreat to address pressing issues affecting Nollywood, including funding, distribution, quality of storytelling, technical development and industry regulation.

The retreat is also known for attracting respected veterans, regulators and top executives in the entertainment sector who engage participants on the future of Nigerian cinema and strategies to compete effectively on the global stage.

Speaking in his presentation, Husseini emphasized that one of the biggest challenges facing Nollywood is weak story development and the tendency of some filmmakers to rush production for quick financial gain.

According to him, strong storytelling remains the backbone of every successful film industry throughout the world.

He warned manufacturers against sacrificing quality for speed and profit, and emphasized that proper planning and professional handling at every stage of production is essential for the long-term growth of the industry.

“Proper script development is the foundation of any great film. If the story is weak from the start, no amount of star power or technical effort can completely save the production,” he said.

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Husseini further emphasized the importance of professionalism in the entire filmmaking process, and urged practitioners to avoid shortcuts during the production and post-production stages.

“Every process in making a film must be handled professionally. There should be no rush, especially at the post-production level where the final identity of the film is formed,” he said.

The NFVCB boss expressed concern that the rush to commercial success was starting to have a negative impact on quality in the industry.

“The rush to profit must not obscure attention to detail. Audiences around the world are becoming more sophisticated, and filmmakers must raise their standards if they want to remain relevant,” he added.

Husseini also revealed that he has proposed the creation of government-backed grants specifically dedicated to story development to help filmmakers adequately develop scripts before production begins.

According to him, many producers have difficulty getting funding at the development stage, resulting in stories that are poorly researched and developed.

“I have submitted a proposal to the government regarding the need for dedicated grant funding for story development so that producers can have sufficient resources to develop their stories well before shooting begins,” he said.

Speaking about the role of the National Film and Video Censorship Board, Husseini sought to clarify misunderstandings surrounding the body’s responsibilities, emphasizing that the board’s primary role is classification, not censorship.

“The NFVCB’s primary responsibility is classification and not necessarily censorship as many believe,” he explained.

However, he noted that every serious country in the world implements a censorship framework to regulate content and protect social values.

“There is no country in the world that does not implement censorship in one form or another,” he said.

Commending the members of TGMAAN for their professionalism and organization, Husseini urged practitioners within the association to continue to adhere to the laws that guide the classification and regulation of films in Nigeria.

“I should appreciate the TGMAAN members who are very professional and organized both individually and as a body,” he said.

He added that respect for industry regulations will ultimately strengthen Nollywood’s credibility and make the industry more attractive to investors.

“Complying with classification and censorship laws will make the Nigerian film industry more professional, protect audiences and attract investors who can contribute to the growth of the industry,” he said.

Husseini concluded on an optimistic note, expressing his belief that Nollywood can become a stronger global force if filmmakers consistently exercise quality, professionalism and discipline.

“If the industry can do things right, then its global presence and influence will be assured,” he said.

Among those present at the retreat were TGMAAN President Saidi Balogun, Kunle Afod, Tunde Olaoye, Raph Niyi, Kola Olaiya, Sesan Audio (Ojoge), Mustapha Patrick (Otolo), Ben Cupa, Jogunomi, Taiwo Arokomatidi and several other stakeholders in the film industry.