Dr Ali Nuhu, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing film quality and expanding domestic and international distribution channels for the Nigerian film industry. He highlighted plans to improve access to funding, the availability of film equipment, training opportunities, and overall production facilitation, all aimed at significantly uplifting Nigeria’s film sector by 2026.
Nuhu, who celebrated two years in office on January 12, 2026, outlined several purposeful initiatives that the NFC has successfully implemented over the past two years. These initiatives include advocacy programs, partnerships, and collaborations that focus on entrepreneurial skills development and capacity building. He noted that aligning NFC operations with the Federal Government and the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy will be crucial for fostering growth in the country’s creative landscape, ultimately benefiting the national economy.
Among the achievements mentioned, Nuhu emphasised the promising discussions held between Nigeria and several high-volume creative economies, including Saudi Arabia, Jamaica, Iran, Brazil, Canada, China, and India. These conversations aim to formalise reciprocal film co-production agreements, a vital step for attracting foreign investments into Nigeria’s film sector.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria’s rich arts, culture, music, and film sectors will continue to offer substantial opportunities for talented individuals to thrive in the global creative arena, thereby driving job creation and wealth generation.
Looking ahead to 2026, Nuhu mentioned ongoing efforts to update the 1979 NFC Enabling Act. This includes the recently reintroduced draft Nigerian Film Commission Bill, which has already passed its second reading in the Federal House of Representatives. Consultations on the overdue 10-year review of the National Film Policy are also underway. Additionally, resuscitating the National Film Archive Policy aims to optimise operations at the National Film Video Sound Archive in Jos and ensure the preservation of Nigeria’s audiovisual heritage. All these measures are expected to strengthen the film sector’s capabilities and empower its stakeholders.
Nuhu highlighted the impressive Training and Capacity Development Performance Index, with 2,553 individuals receiving training, skills development, and capacity building in film production and other creative ventures through the National Film Institute, Jos, and the NFC’s Consultancy Services. This surge in training is anticipated to significantly increase the number of skilled filmmakers and content creators.
The National Film Institute is undergoing a strategic repositioning, with support from key regulatory bodies, including the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). This collaboration aims to enhance educational and training opportunities in film.
Nuhu underscored the impact of Nigerian films, emphasising their role as powerful instruments for social cohesion, peace, and economic growth. The NFC remains committed to collaborating with film guilds and associations nationwide to accelerate the development of Nigeria’s creative ecosystem. Key initiatives such as the annual Zuma International Film Festival (ZUFF) and the SHOOT! Training Series are highlighted as contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s and Africa’s creative economies, particularly in the digital content space.
Recognising the measurable impact and value these initiatives add to economic diversification and national development, the NFC will continue to host contemporary audio-visual content creation events. These include ZUFF and the SHOOT! Series, aimed at empowering participants with essential digital creative skills and knowledge about intellectual property protection and content monetisation.
Dr Nuhu reiterated the NFC’s unwavering commitment to fostering an environment conducive to the ongoing growth of Nigeria’s film industry through skill development and supportive initiatives.
