Shaibu Husseini, the sixth executive director and director-general of the National Films and Videos Censors Board (NFVCB), stated that the agency will censor and classify skits.
Mr Husseini, in discussions with Nigerian film industry stakeholders about classification and censorship, recently discussed his plans for the NFVCB during a visit to Lagos on Friday.
He pointed out that countries like Britain, Kenya, and South Africa have transitioned from censorship to classification, emphasizing the need for Nigeria to adapt to changing times.
“Classification involves reviewing your content and assigning it the appropriate rating. This rating will be displayed on the content, allowing viewers to choose accordingly, rather than stumbling upon unexpected violence or nudity in the middle of a film or skit,” he explained.
Mr Husseini mentioned that the board will go digital to enable filmmakers to smoothly register their works, including skits, online.
“We need to move away from analog processes and embrace digital solutions. We have decided to digitize the process. One of the reasons filmmakers bypass the board and release films without classification is the tedious DVD submission process, which is time-consuming and cumbersome,” he stated.
Therefore, the NFVCB aims to offer convenient online services for filmmakers to upload, pay, track the film processing, and print certificates from their homes,” he added.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of getting accurate data to advance the film and TV industry, as well as promoting smoke-free environments in Nigerian motion pictures and engaging stakeholders to limit tobacco use on World Tobacco-free Day in Nigeria.
The experienced film critic and member of various film award boards stressed the importance of responsible filmmaking to avoid legal conflicts. He expressed plans for a nationwide media literacy campaign to educate youths on appropriate content consumption and involve mothers in monitoring their children’s viewing habits.
In preparation for the NFVCB’s 30th anniversary in June 2024, Mr. Shaibu intends to enhance the agency’s operational capacity and commemorate the milestone with three publications highlighting the board’s achievements and film classifications since its inception.
He also mentioned plans for a new headquarters in Abuja called ‘The Classifier,’ which will include a Walk of Fame honoring film stakeholders, past and present.