The National Film and Video Censors Board has called on Nollywood stakeholders, particularly filmmakers, to shift their focus from volume to producing higher-quality content that delivers value for audiences, investors and the nation.

The chief executive director of NFVCB, Shaibu Husseni, made the call during the ongoing 2025 Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Nigeria Digital Content Regulatory Conference on Tuesday in Lagos.

The conference was organised by NFVCB.

Mr Husseini said the future of the industry depended on strong storytelling, cultural authenticity and the ability of creators to meet global standards. He urged filmmakers to see the digital age as an opportunity to elevate Nigeria’s creative output.

He, however, noted that the rise of online platforms had been accompanied by a growing disregard for regulatory requirements.

Mr Husseini said the practice of uploading films without recourse to the NFVCB for classification or licensing was a clear violation of the law.

Citing Section 2B and E and Section 25,28, and 31 of the NFVCB Act, he warned that the infraction must stop.

He said that to address these challenges, the board had taken some steps to strengthen industry compliance and also support creators.

Mr Husseini said, “We have enhanced regulatory efficiency, including the introduction of a quick comeback time for film classification.

“In fact, now it is done in under 24 hours. Some people even do their classification in under five hours. We have enabled filmmakers to obtain their certificates swiftly and to distribute their awards without unnecessary delays.

“We have strengthened compliance and enforcement, ensuring that film meets statutory standards and audiences, especially young people, are protected from harmful or unclassified content.”

According to Mr Husseini, these reforms are aimed at protecting young audiences from harmful or unclassified content, securing the industry from piracy and ensuring that Nigeria’s creative economy remains globally competitive.

He explained that collaboration remained essential to the industry’s progress. He further urged the filmmakers to tell stories that inspire people, carry the nation’s heritage across borders and raise the next generation to think, dream and believe.

He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to preserving Nigeria’s heritage.

(NAN)