The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr Shaibu Husseini, has called for stronger distribution frameworks within Nigeria’s film industry to ensure that locally produced content achieves global visibility.

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‎Dr Husseini made this call while delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2026 edition of the Coal City Film Festival, held in Enugu.
‎Welcoming participants to the festival, Dr Husseini expressed his personal delight at hosting the event in Enugu, his birth state, noting the city’s rich cultural heritage and longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s creative landscape.
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‎He commended the festival organisers, particularly the Festival Director, Uche Agbo, for their resilience and commitment in sustaining the initiative.
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‎ According to him, the Coal City Film Festival has grown into a significant cultural platform and a must-attend cinematic event in South East Nigeria.
‎Speaking on the festival’s theme, “Local Stories, Global Screens,” Dr Husseini emphasised the importance of authenticity in storytelling. He noted that films rooted in local realities, languages, and cultural truths often resonate more strongly with global audiences.
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‎He cited notable Nigerian productions such as “King of Boys” by Kemi Adetiba, “The Wedding Party” by Mo Abudu, “Anikulapo” by Kunle Afolayan, “Black Book” by Editi Effiong, and “Lionheart” by Genevieve Nnaji as examples of culturally grounded stories that have gained international recognition on platforms such as Netflix and at global film festivals.
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‎While acknowledging the growth in film production across Nigeria, the NFVCB boss identified distribution as a major bottleneck in the industry. He observed that many high-quality films struggle to reach audiences both locally and internationally due to limited distribution channels.
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‎Dr. Husseini therefore urged film festivals across the country to evolve beyond networking platforms into active marketplaces where filmmakers can secure distribution deals. He stressed that festivals must attract distributors, exhibitors, streaming platforms, and marketers to create tangible opportunities for filmmakers.
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‎“Film festivals must become gateways to distribution where filmmakers leave not just with applause, but with real opportunities,” he said.
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‎Reaffirming the Board’s commitment to industry development, Dr. Husseini stated that the NFVCB has continued to reposition itself as a partner in progress by engaging stakeholders, improving classification processes, and promoting a balance between creative freedom and social responsibility.
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‎However, he raised concerns over increasing non-compliance with regulatory requirements, noting that some filmmakers bypass the Board by releasing unclassified films or operating without proper licensing.
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‎He reiterated that all films and video works must be submitted to the NFVCB for classification and registration before being released on any platform, including digital platforms such as YouTube.
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‎“This is a legal obligation, and the Board will not hesitate to take decisive action against defaulters,” he warned, adding that regulation is essential for protecting the industry, audiences, and national values.
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‎Looking ahead, Dr. Husseini assured stakeholders of the Board’s continued collaboration with filmmakers and festival organisers to build a structured, sustainable, and globally competitive Nigerian film industry.
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‎He concluded by commending the organisers of the Coal City Film Festival for their vision and contribution to Nigeria’s cultural economy, urging filmmakers to continue telling authentic stories that can resonate across global screens.

-Leadership

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the European Union, while announcing steps to recover diplomatic lands in Abuja allegedly taken over by land grabbers.

Wike made this known on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja.

“We will continue to engage EU member countries to further strengthen bilateral relations,” the minister said.

Addressing concerns over diplomatic land allocations, Wike disclosed that several plots originally designated for EU countries had been unlawfully occupied over the years. He noted that the FCT Administration has begun reclaiming such lands.

He added that the government would formally communicate with the affected countries to determine their continued interest in the properties and ensure rightful ownership is restored.

“We are writing to those countries. If they still intend to retain the lands, we are willing to return them. We will not allow land grabbers to take advantage,” Wike said.

The minister also commended the EU for its contributions to governance and justice sector reforms in the FCT, particularly in court digitalisation and improved justice delivery.

“I am aware of your support, especially in strengthening the administration and dispensation of justice. We will continue to partner with you to deepen these initiatives,” he added.

On requests for land allocation for local EU staff, Wike assured that applications would be considered based on due process, stressing that such processes must ultimately benefit the public.

He further addressed infrastructure concerns at the IBB Golf Club, confirming that a caretaker committee has been constituted, with rehabilitation works expected to commence soon.

In his remarks, Mignot described Nigeria as a key strategic partner for the EU, noting that both parties are entering a new phase of deeper engagement.

“The European Union remains one of Nigeria’s foremost trade and development partners. Our relationship is strong, mutually beneficial, and evolving into a more significant phase,” he said.

He highlighted ongoing EU-supported programmes in the FCT, including judicial reforms, court digitalisation, human rights initiatives, and support for victims of gender-based violence.

Mignot also invited the FCT minister to engage further with EU ambassadors to explore collaboration in areas such as waste management, urban planning, and water infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Wike recently ordered the demolition of buildings illegally constructed on land designated for foreign embassies in the diplomatic zone of Katampe Extension, Abuja.

He explained that the land, originally allocated on March 18, 2008, for residential use by diplomatic missions, was later encroached upon by an unauthorised developer who commenced construction without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority.

The affected diplomatic missions include Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

-Leadership

-Sahara