Key Points
- NFVCB has launched its first Masterclass Series to strengthen filmmakers’ legal, business and production skills.
- The initiative focuses on intellectual property, financing and sustainable business practices.
- Industry experts urged filmmakers to improve contracts, governance and financial record-keeping.
- Stakeholders said greater professionalism is essential to attract investment and compete globally.
Main Story
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has launched a new capacity-building programme aimed at helping Nigerian filmmakers strengthen the legal, financial and business foundations of their productions as the industry adapts to rapid technological and commercial changes.
The initiative, known as the NFVCB Masterclass Series 1.0, is supported by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy and delivered in partnership with CcHub Creative Economy Ltd. and Ojis Production Studios Ltd.
According to the board’s Executive Director, Dr Shaibu Husseini, the programme was developed in response to industry feedback received during the 2025 PAO Nigerian Digital Regulatory Conference, where stakeholders called for practical training on issues affecting the sector beyond regulatory discussions.
Husseini said the masterclass reflects the board’s broader role in supporting the growth of Nigeria’s film industry by equipping creatives with the knowledge required to build sustainable businesses, protect intellectual property and improve production standards. He added that continuous learning has become increasingly important as filmmakers navigate the rise of streaming platforms, artificial intelligence and evolving business models.
Leading the sessions, intellectual property lawyer Mrs Sandra Oyewole urged filmmakers to pay as much attention to legal and financial structures as they do to the creative process. She said sound contracts, proper record-keeping and regulatory compliance were essential to attracting investors and building commercially viable productions.
Oyewole also warned that weak documentation, piracy, poor industry data and the emergence of artificial intelligence were creating new legal and commercial challenges that filmmakers must address proactively.
Another intellectual property lawyer, Mr Caleb Nmeribe, reminded participants that copyright protects completed creative works rather than ideas, stressing that ownership and commercial rights should always be clearly established through written agreements before production begins.
Also speaking, Habibat Abubakar identified weak financial management, poor valuation of intellectual property and inadequate corporate governance as major factors limiting investment in many Nigerian film projects.
Veteran actress and producer Joke Silva described the masterclass as a practical step towards addressing longstanding challenges in the industry, noting that stronger professional standards, innovation and sustainable business practices would help position Nigerian filmmakers for greater global competitiveness and long-term growth.
The issues
Nigeria’s film industry has continued to expand globally, but many filmmakers still face challenges related to intellectual property protection, financing, corporate governance and business management. Industry stakeholders say strengthening these areas is essential to attract investment and sustain long-term growth.
What’s being said
“Professionalism builds trust needed for investment and international partnerships. Innovation keeps Nigerian creative output globally competitive and sustainability ensures success benefits creators for generations.” — Joke Silva, actress and producer
What’s next
The NFVCB is expected to continue the Masterclass Series as part of broader efforts to improve professional standards, strengthen business capacity and prepare Nigerian filmmakers for an increasingly digital and competitive global market.
Bottom line
The NFVCB’s new masterclass signals a shift towards equipping Nigerian filmmakers with the legal and business skills needed to build a stronger, more sustainable and globally competitive creative industry.
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