NFVCB Boss Tasks Nollywood on Quality Storytelling, Professionalism at TGMAAN Annual Retreat

Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Shaibu Husseini, has challenged Nigerian filmmakers to prioritise proper script development, professionalism and attention to detail if the country’s movie industry hopes to attain greater global relevance and attract major international investment.

Husseini gave the charge while speaking at the 2026 annual retreat of the The Golden Movie Ambassadors Association of Nigeria (TGMAAN), held at the prestigious Ilaji Resort in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The retreat, themed “Breaking Ordinary Limits in Depiction (BOLD),” brought together actors, directors, producers, scriptwriters and other stakeholders in the Nigerian movie industry to deliberate on ways of repositioning Nollywood beyond conventional storytelling and technical limitations.

Over the years, the TGMAAN annual retreat has evolved into one of the industry’s leading intellectual and networking platforms, aimed at fostering collaboration, mentorship and capacity building among filmmakers and creative professionals.

Founded as a body of movie ambassadors, actors and practitioners committed to promoting professionalism and excellence in the industry, TGMAAN has consistently used its annual retreat to address pressing issues affecting Nollywood, including funding, distribution, storytelling quality, technical development and industry regulation.

The retreat has also become known for attracting respected veterans, regulators and top executives within the entertainment sector who engage participants on the future of Nigerian cinema and strategies for competing effectively on the global stage.

Speaking during his presentation, Husseini stressed that one of the biggest challenges confronting Nollywood remains weak story development and the tendency by some filmmakers to rush productions in pursuit of quick financial returns.

According to him, strong storytelling remains the backbone of every successful film industry across the world.

He warned producers against sacrificing quality for speed and profit, insisting that proper planning and professional handling of every stage of production are essential for long-term industry growth.

“Proper script development is the foundation of every great film. If the story is weak from the beginning, no amount of star power or technical effort can completely save the production,” he said.

Husseini further stressed the importance of professionalism throughout the filmmaking process, urging practitioners to avoid cutting corners during production and post-production stages.

“Every process in filmmaking must be handled professionally. Nothing should be rushed, especially at the post-production level where the final identity of the film is shaped,” he stated.

The NFVCB boss expressed concern that the growing rush for commercial success was beginning to negatively affect quality within the industry.

“The rush for profit-making must not cloud attention to detail. Audiences across the world are becoming more sophisticated, and filmmakers must raise their standards if they want to remain relevant,” he added.

Husseini also revealed that he had proposed the creation of a government-backed grant specifically dedicated to story development in order to help filmmakers adequately develop scripts before production begins.

According to him, many producers struggle with funding at the developmental stage, leading to poorly researched and underdeveloped stories.

“I have already made proposals to government on the need for grants dedicated to story development so producers can have enough resources to properly build their stories before shooting begins,” he disclosed.

Speaking on the role of the National Film and Video Censors Board, Husseini sought to clarify misconceptions surrounding the agency’s responsibilities, insisting that the board’s primary role is classification rather than censorship.

“The major responsibility of the NFVCB is classification and not necessarily censorship as many people believe,” he explained.

However, he noted that every serious country in the world maintains some form of censorship framework to regulate content and protect societal values.

“There is no country in the world where censorship does not exist in one form or another,” he said.

Commending members of TGMAAN for their professionalism and organisation, Husseini urged practitioners within the association to continue complying with the laws guiding film classification and regulation in Nigeria.

“I must commend members of TGMAAN for being highly professional and organised both as individuals and as a body,” he stated.

He added that respect for industry regulations would ultimately strengthen the credibility of Nollywood and make the industry more attractive to investors.

“Adhering to classification and censorship laws will make the Nigerian movie industry more professional, protect viewers and attract investors who can contribute to the growth of the industry,” he said.

Husseini concluded on an optimistic note, expressing confidence that Nollywood could become an even stronger global force if filmmakers consistently embrace quality, professionalism and discipline.

“If the industry can get things right, its global presence and influence are assured,” he declared.

Among those present at the retreat were TGMAAN President Saidi Balogun, Kunle Afod, Tunde Olaoye, Raph Niyi, Kola Olaiya, Sesan Audio (Ojoge), Mustapha Patrick (Otolo), Ben Cupa, Jogunomi, Taiwo Arokomatidi and several other stakeholders in the movie industry.