FG Issues Licensing Waiver to Enhance Community Cinemas in Nigeria
The Federal Government of Nigeria has granted a licensing waiver for investors interested in establishing community cinemas across the country. This move is aimed at stimulating investment in the local film industry. The announcement was made by Dr. Husseini Shaibu, Executive Director and CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.
This initiative aligns with the vision of the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa, who aims to provide incentives that drive growth in Nigeria’s creative sector. Dr. Shaibu noted that the waiver would help generate more revenue for both the government and filmmakers, while also creating jobs for young Nigerians.
He explained that the waiver would have a major impact on the cinema exhibitor sector, promoting the local box office for Nollywood films and increasing the number of cinema screens nationwide. The NFVCB has also given provisional approval for a twelve-month test run of a community cinema project, with plans to extend the waivers if the pilot proves successful.
Dr. Shaibu encouraged stakeholders to establish community cinemas, highlighting examples from countries like India where such initiatives have successfully coexisted with larger theaters. The NFVCB is also exploring partnerships between community cinema operators and established cinema owners to create unique cinematic experiences for local audiences.
Additionally, the board has proposed reducing exhibition and distribution license fees to attract more cinema operators. Dr. Shaibu emphasized the board’s commitment to reducing classification times for films and streamlining submission processes through online platforms, making it easier for filmmakers to comply with regulations.
The NFVCB, established by the National Film and Video Censors Board Act Cap No. 40 (2004 as amended), is responsible for classifying all films and videos produced or imported into Nigeria and maintaining a register of cinema outlets.
