Lagos State Government Reiterates Commitment to Nollywood Growth*

 

By Kayode Olopade 

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth and development of the Nollywood industry.

Speaking at the Nollywood Producer's Summit, today, the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Lagos State Film and Video Board, Mrs. Adebukola Agbaminoja,  emphasized the importance of collaboration, policy support, and government partnership in driving the industry's success.

"The government has taken concrete steps to nurture talent and promote innovative storytelling in Nollywood. A notable initiative is the Lagos State partnership with the Plotweaver to stage a storytelling competition, where the winning story will be developed into a short film. This initiative reflects our dedication to fostering creativity and excellence in the industry," Agbaminoja stated.

The Executive Secretary further disclosed the government's plans to develop policies that encourage investment in the film industry. These policies include offering tax breaks and grants tailored for filmmakers, as well as investing in infrastructure improvement and training programs to equip emerging filmmakers with the necessary skills to thrive.

Additionally, Agbaminoja highlighted the government's commitment to capacity building by partnering with film academies to empower emerging talents, further solidifying the state's support for the growth and development of the industry.

"By working together with industry stakeholders, the Lagos State Government aims to position Nollywood for lasting success and showcase the best of Nigerian storytelling to the world," Agbaminoja submitted.

In a related development, the United States Government has expressed interest in collaborating with Nollywood creatives.

 According to the Public Relations Officer, of the US Consular General Office, the US Consulate General, Lagos, Nigeria, Julie McKay expressed US Government intention to leverage foreign training to equip Nollywood professionals with modern skills to produce quality films and content that can be showcased on Netflix and other foreign channels, thereby increasing the market for local and international creatives.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board, Dr. Shuaib Hussieni, has urged film producers to approach the right agencies for necessary documents before producing their films. He expressed dissatisfaction with producers who bypass the agency for legitimate censorship, instead forging permits and clearance certificates, which often result in low-quality or immoral films that contradict government policies.