The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) says that the nation’s film makers must be commended for their commitment, doggedness, ingenuity and sacrifices made by them towards the development and growth of Nigeria’s creative economy, with its attendant positive impact on the country’s gross domestic product – GDP. According to Dr. Ali Nuhu, NFC’s Chief Executive Officer, the immeasurable contributions of the film sector in terms of employment generation, wealth creation and content provision for both the small and large screens has accounted for the nation’s successful economy diversification. According to Nuhu, Nigerian filmmakers over the years have unreservedly engaged in film production and other ancillary activities on a sustainable basis across the length and breathe of the country, which has attracted several domestic and offshore commendations, and more quest for direct and indirect investment inflow.
Above, were contained in a statement issued by Brian Etuk, NFC’s Director of Public Affairs in Abuja on Friday, April 19th, in commemoration of the 2024 World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID). The 2024 World Creativity and Innovation Day will be celebrated on Sunday, April 21st, the date set aside by the United Nations to raise awareness of the role of creativity and innovation in all aspects of human development. It is the day where the contributions of creativity and innovations that have continued to characterize the growth of the global creative economy come into focus. Movie production, has remained at the forefront of the nation’s creative economy, creating employment, wealth and promoting heritage protection and preservation.
In the statement, the NFC helmsman said that, as at 2001 the sector was able to hit the $10million mark in terms on investment; and was also able to record a net worth of $250 million, by year 2005. As at 2021, the film sector was equally able to contribute 2.3%, that is around 660million to Nigeria’s GDP, citing a Price Water Coopers survey report. Nuhu, averred that the sectors capacity and capabilities, as a major economic force has continued to draw the attention of government at all levels. “This has equally exacerbated the level of support, investment and patronage being experienced, through the emplacement of strategic policy frameworks, funding and access to financing, provision of critical film infrastructure, training and capacity building among others”.
NFC, he further said is optimistic that the 2024 WCID will provide another opportunity for Nigerian filmmakers to reflect on how to utilize the enormous power of creativity and innovation to engage in storytelling narratives that promote positive moral, peaceful, patriotic and resilient people, including communities for a greater Nigeria. The establishment of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy, by the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), including several other past initiatives by the federal government to include the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Science & Technology to drive innovations, the Ministry of Communications & Digital Economy to drive digital technology and access, funding access, research grants for Innovative Research, Local Content Development as well as the Ease of Doing Business Policies have continued to provide operational windows which the nations film industry has benefitted from.
As the world marks WCID 2024, NFC advocates for increased partnerships and collaboration amongst film stakeholders in forging ahead. “Creativity and innovation are resources that must be deployed in solving problems common to humanity”. The transformative power of creativity and innovation and their crucial roles in driving progress, shaping cultures, and inspiring positive change across all sectors in making the world a better place cannot be over emphasized. This explains the choice of “INSPIRE” as the driving force behind the theme of the day – “step out and innovate”.
While paying tributes to the nations veterans, legend and upcoming filmmakers for the positive contributions towards the growth of the film sector, Dr. Nuhu appealed that their commitment and determination in leveraging on creativity and innovation to promote the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria should continue to take the upward curve. Film, as a critical component of the creative ecosystem, he further said, has become a massive economic activity for national development.
The NFC, he assured will continue to promote core values of the good people of Nigeria. In unlocking prosperity as the drivers of the film industry, the corporation’s determination in driving innovation, funding availability and access, collaborations and partnerships, value chain development, sustainable policy frameworks that will insulate risks, as well as upscale of film production levels, effective film distribution and digital exhibition channels, training, skills development and capacity building, enabling operational environment, effective offshore and seamless engagements – co-productions among others, will be sustained.
NFC is mindful of the robust creative components of the Renewed Agenda of the present administration and is determined in providing timely, impactful services and interventions that promote new ideas, technologies, and innovative approaches to filmmaking. The rapidly evolving landscape of Nigeria’s industry, he said, must be supported through appropriate legislative and regulatory frameworks to enable the sector continue to play its significant role of driving progress, shaping cultures, and inspiring positive changes.
