Film and Tourism Key to Nigeria’s economic diversification – NFVCB, NTDA
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) have resolved on strengthening collaboration between the film and tourism sectors as part of efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on petroleum and unlock new economic opportunities.
NFVCB Executive Director, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, and the NTDA Director-General, Dr. Ola Awakan, 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.
This was the outcome of the visit by Dr. Ola Awakan to NFVCB Executive Director, Dr. Shaibu Husseini in Abuja recently.
Speaking, Husseini emphasized the strategic role of film in promoting Nigeria’s tourism assets. According to him, “we will continue to encourage our filmmakers to tell our stories using our tourism locations. Tourism potentials in Nigeria are 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,” he said.
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The NTDA Director-General also commended 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 the NFVCB, the narrative around the Board has changed positively.
“We know how passionate you are about the sector,” Awakan stated.
Responding, Husseini 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 visits the NTDA website to keep track of the agency’s activities and developments.
Awakan explained that his dedication stems 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 said.
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 institutions to deepen collaboration between Nigeria’s film industry and tourism sector as strategic pillars for economic growth, job creation and national development.
