Film and tourism key to Nigeria’s economic diversification, say NFVCB, NTDA bosses

By Editor

THE Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, on Thursday received the management of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), led by its Director-General, Dr. Ola Awakan, during a courtesy visit to the Board’s headquarters in Abuja. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between film and tourism sectors as part of efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on petroleum and unlock new economic opportunities.

In a statement ssigned by the Director of Corporate Affairs, National Film and Video Censors Board, Mr. Ogbonna Onwumere, both leaders agreed that the creative industry, particularly film, alongside tourism, holds enormous potential as the next major drivers of Nigeria’s economy. They resolved to encourage Nigerian filmmakers to deliberately showcase the country’s rich tourism destinations in their productions in order to attract both local and international tourists.

While speaking during the meeting, Husseini emphasized the strategic role of film in promoting Nigeria’s tourism assets, when he said, “We will continue to encourage our filmmakers to tell our stories using our tourism locations. Tourism potential in Nigeria is enormous and film provides a powerful platform to open up the sector to the world.”

Awakan, in his remarks, noted that economic diversification through tourism integrated with film remains one of the most viable alternatives for Nigeria.

“There is no better alternative to diversify the economy than through tourism embedded in film,” the NTDA Director-General said, also commending Husseini’s leadership at the NFVCB, recalling their long-standing professional relationship.

Awakan noted that he was among the first set of journalists who invited Husseini to appear on Television Continental (TVC) following his appointment, adding that since Husseini assumed office at NFVCB, the narrative around the board has changed positively, with Awakan adding, “We know how passionate you are about the sector.”

Husseini also expressed admiration for the Director-General’s energy and commitment to the tourism sector since assuming office late last year. He revealed that he regularly visited the NTDA website to keep track of the agency’s activities and developments. Awakan then explained that his dedication stemmed from years of professional commitment to the sector.

“If I could do it when I didn’t have a platform, why should I complain now that I have one?” he asked.

Husseini further advocated for deliberate policies that would strengthen inward tourism in Nigeria, while acknowledging that certain challenges still need to be addressed to fully unlock the country’s tourism potential. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both heads of two government’s agencies to use their institutions to deepen collaboration between Nigeria’s film industry and tourism sector as strategic pillars for economic growth, job creation and national development.

The Executive Director of NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini handing a gift to the Director-General of NTDA, Dr. Ola Awakan… in Abuja