Creative Industry

Infrastructure Development and Collaborative Partnerships Necessary For Nigeria’s Film Sector Growth

Published

3 months ago

February 20, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of Dr Nigerian Film Corporation Ali Nuhu, has advocated for continuous massive film infrastructure development as well as sustainable partnerships to aid the growth of Nigeria’s film industry.

Consequently, NFC, he maintains is unwaveringly committed to advancing Nigeria’s film industry through strategic infrastructure upgrades, policy innovation, and global collaboration that catalyses not only the film industry growth of Nigeria but, Africa as a Continent.

Speaking at “The Reel Balancing Act: Policymakers, Filmmakers, and the Future of Cinema,” of the Afro-Berlin session – Berlinale Film Festival, in Germany, Dr. Nuhu drew attention of panelists and other delegates to Nigeria’s transformative progress under the Federal Government’s roadmap for the creative sector. Sustainable partnerships, he said, were needed to position Africa’s cinema as a global powerhouse.

He listed some of the interventions by the administration of President Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) that serve as pointers to Nigeria’s film industry development and transformative journey, with massive infrastructure and friendly investment policy initiatives components.

Revitalizing legacy infrastructure at the NFC while prioritizing new initiatives to elevate Nigeria’s film ecosystem he said, are being aggressively being pursued. “When I assumed office, my vision was clear: to build a film industry for our country anchored on world-class infrastructure, enabling policies, and sustainable partnerships.

Today, we are witnessing the fruits of our determination and commitment” he stated. Other sectoral milestones to include the recently introduced Tax Reform Bill before the National Assembly which when passed into law will provide incentives for local and international investors in Nigeria’s film sector, especially rebates for film production that utilize local talent, facilities and locations, as well as tax holidays for studios and equipment manufacturers are commendable.

“This reform is a game-changer, reducing barriers to investments and empowering filmmakers to dream bigger,” Dr. Nuhu averred.

Furthermore, he commended Government’s resolve to integrate the creative sector into national economic planning which has ensured that film and culture are no longer afterthoughts but central to Nigeria’s growth agenda.

The National Film Institute (NFI), he said is undergoing modernization and transformation, with envisioned facility, faculty upgrade and curricular review intended to equip emerging filmmakers with cutting-edge skills in digital production, animation, and AI-driven storytelling tools.

Dr. Nuhu urged African filmmakers and policymakers to unite in addressing challenges such as piracy, funding gaps, and distribution barriers. “Our success lies in collaboration—across borders, sectors, and generations. With improved infrastructure, progressive policies, and global solidarity, African cinema will not only thrive but dominate”, he said.

#nfc #nigerianfilms #development #strategicpartnerships

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Creative Industry

Nigeria, Gambia Pledges Commitment to Improve Tourism Sector

Published

6 days ago

May 6, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering stronger tourism collaboration with the Republic of the Gambia, following a courtesy visit by a four-man delegation from the west African country, led by Hon. Yakuba Darboe, Chairman of the Brikama Area Council, Western Region.

The delegation was received by Mr. Richard Ovie Esewhaye, Director overseeing the Office of the Director General, NTDA, and the Management Staff at the Authority’s headquarters in Abuja.

In his remarks, Hon. Darboe described The Gambia as having a long-standing relationship with Nigeria, often referring to the country as the “37th state of Nigeria” due to the cultural and historical ties between both nations.

He noted that tourism is the backbone of The Gambia’s economy and that the country is in Nigeria to promote its tourism offerings.

He emphasized the importance of the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol, stating that West African countries have much to learn from one another in terms of culture, investment opportunities, and tourism development.

“Nigeria, with its large population, presents a ready market for Gambian tourism, and we urge NTDA to include The Gambia when recommending travel destinations,” he added.

Mr. Esewhaye, in his response, welcomed the delegation and lauded the existing relationship between the NTDA and the Gambia Tourism Board. He recalled past engagements, including meetings with the Gambia Investment Forum, and highlighted the need to move beyond agreements on paper to tangible outcomes.

“Though small in size, The Gambia has made remarkable progress in tourism. Nigeria can learn from their model—particularly in revenue generation, cultural exchange, and capacity building,” he said. He also advocated for the establishment of a technical committee to identify concrete areas of collaboration.

Speaking at the event, Mr. F.O. Anumba, Director of Special Duties, NTDA, raised concerns about the current lack of direct air connectivity between Nigeria and The Gambia. He stressed that establishing direct flights would greatly enhance tourist traffic and improve bilateral tourism relations.

The visit concluded with the presentation of an Outstanding Leadership and Humanitarian Award to Mr. Esewhaye by Hon. Darboe.

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