In the heart of the Nigerian film industry, commonly known as Nollywood, voices are being raised to ardently defend the continuation of the Nigerian Video and Cinema Regulatory Commission (NFVCB) as the regulatory body of the sector. This controversy was recently raised as rumors circulated about a potential dissolution of the NFVCB and its absorption into the Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy.
Several renowned directors and producers have spoken out on this crucial issue, highlighting the vital importance of the NFVCB in supervising and regulating a sector as dynamic and booming as Nollywood. Paul Apel-Papel, famous for directing the 2021 action-drama film “Eagle Wings”, stressed that Nollywood is too vast and complex not to be supervised by a specific entity such as the NFVCB. According to him, the commission plays a vital role in preserving the integrity and quality of productions in the Nigerian film industry.
On his part, Habib Mohammed, National President of the Film Industry Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN), warned of the adverse consequences of possible absorption of the NFVCB into the ministry. He highlighted the significant progress made through the existence of the commission and called on policymakers to reconsider this decision. Similarly, Emeke Aduah, Acting President of the Film Video Producers and Distributors Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN), warned of the risks involved in combating illicit films if the NFVCB were to be abolished.
This controversy also echoes within the Nigerian government, where the Secretary to the Government of the Federation recently ordered the imminent dissolution of the NFVCB. However, the decision sparked a wave of reactions among stakeholders in the film industry, as well as within the legislative community. The Nigerian Senate has also asked the federal government to suspend the dissolution of the commission, highlighting the non-compliance with the legal procedure required to repeal the law establishing the Nollywood regulatory agency.
It is undeniable that the NFVCB plays a crucial role in the Nigerian film industry, ensuring the quality of productions, fighting against counterfeiting and contributing to the international influence of Nollywood. Its continuation as an independent regulatory body appears to be the most reasonable and beneficial option to ensure the continued prosperity and development of the Nigerian film industry. Policy and legislative decision-makers must consider these arguments and make informed decisions to preserve the legacy and success of Nollywood.