Nigeria censors board assures movie consumers of reliable, accurate classification

The board recently took some flak for the controversial ban of a documentary.

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) on Monday re-stated its commitment at ensuring adequate guidelines and classification to protect sensibility of film consumers.

Patricia Bala, the acting director-general of the board, said this during the inaugural consumer forum, organised by the board in Abuja.

The forum was organised to engage film stakeholders, filmmakers and the board to work together positively to transform the society through films and video works.

“The consumers are the stamina in the industry. Therefore, we should produce films that would not harm their passions and destiny,’’ she said.

Ms. Bala pleaded with Nigerians to help in fighting the challenges facing the industry.

She listed the challenges to include piracy, content suitability, marketing and distribution.

While commending the contributions of filmmakers to the growth of the industry, Ms. Bala said that the problem of incessant repetition of story lines should be addressed.

“There is an overwhelming consensus that the movie industry needs reform, especially in relation to the movies that are being sent to the market.

“There is, therefore, the need to work with stakeholders and producers on ways out of the box and create movies that will stand the test of time,” she said.

Among those at the interactive forum were Tom Adaba, a former Director-General of Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, and Emeka Mba, a former Director-General of NFVCB.

Others are Prof. Egwuwgu Illah, from University of Jos; Abiodun Olumuyiwa of the Nigeria Protection Council; and Tony Ojobo, Director Public Affairs, Nigeria Communication Commission.

The censors’ board was recently criticised by Nigerians for its controversial ban of a documentary, Fueling Poverty, about the effects of corruption in the Nigerian oil industry.

(NAN)