August 20, (THEWILL) — The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has broken a 28-year jinx by finally securing a permanent headquarters, a development hailed as a turning point for Nigeria’s creative industry.
The achievement, made possible through the intervention of the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, reflects the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen key institutions in the cultural and creative sector under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
During a courtesy visit to the Minister in Abuja, the Director-General of NFVCB, Dr Shaibu Husseini, described the moment as historic and credited it to the Minister’s dedication and guidance. He revealed that the building allocated to the board was one of the properties recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2017.
“After nearly three decades, the NFVCB has finally secured a home of its own under the leadership and support of the Honourable Minister. This milestone not only strengthens our institutional capacity but also allows us to create a museum dedicated to Nigeria’s audiovisual heritage, which has been a long-standing aspiration. We are grateful for the Honourable Minister’s dedication, and we pledge our full loyalty and commitment to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through our statutory mandate”, he stated.
He further expressed confidence that the Ministry would assist in renovating the new headquarters to meet the operational needs of the board and serve as a hub for Nigeria’s growing film and creative industries.
Responding, Minister Musawa lauded Dr Husseini’s leadership and resilience, noting that his passion for the sector was already yielding results. She described the development as a new chapter for the NFVCB and reaffirmed her commitment to working closely with the board to promote Nigeria’s cultural identity.
“I am delighted to celebrate this milestone with the NFVCB. Your doggedness and dedication to the creative sector are commendable, and I am proud of the progress being made under your leadership. This permanent headquarters represents a new era for the board, one that will strengthen our ability to deliver on Mr. President’s vision for the creative economy and showcase Nigeria’s cultural identity globally”, the Minister noted.
Looking ahead, Husseini disclosed that the board plans to establish a museum within the new headquarters. The facility, he said, will preserve Nigeria’s rich film and cultural heritage while serving as a centre for stakeholders, creatives, and researchers. He also invited the Minister to attend the board’s forthcoming Digital Conference in November, which is expected to deepen collaboration with the Ministry and industry stakeholders.
The acquisition of a permanent home for the NFVCB is being widely regarded as a significant leap in institutional stability. It also underscores the Federal Government’s broader commitment to bolstering the creative sector as a driver of cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and sustainable growth.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
