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NFVCB and Chinese film industry representatives are exploring ways to expand film distribution between Nigeria and China.
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The talks covered licensing, intellectual property protection, market access and film classification technology.
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The Chinese delegation invited NFVCB chief Shaibu Husseini to China for further discussions; no formal agreement was announced.
October 23, (THEWILL) – The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the China Film Administration are exploring a partnership to expand film distribution between Nigeria and China, potentially opening new markets for Nollywood productions.
The discussions covered film distribution, licensing, intellectual property protection and regulatory cooperation, as both countries seek to improve access to their respective film markets.
The talks took place during a visit by a Chinese delegation led by Bai Yimin, Chairman of HuaXia Film Distribution Ltd. Co., to the NFVCB’s Abuja office.
Receiving the delegation, NFVCB Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Shaibu Husseini, said international partnerships could help Nigerian filmmakers reach wider audiences and create new commercial opportunities for the country’s film industry.
He expressed the board’s readiness to work with Chinese industry stakeholders to facilitate the distribution of Nigerian films in China and improve the circulation of Chinese productions in Nigeria.
Husseini, however, stressed that distribution arrangements involving the Nigerian market must comply with the country’s regulatory requirements. He urged the delegation to engage with duly registered distribution companies and consult the board on the registration status of prospective partners.
Discussions also focused on theatrical distribution, licensing agreements, rights acquisition and the exchange of technical expertise. Both sides considered ways to streamline distribution processes, protect intellectual property and improve understanding of film classification requirements in their respective markets.
Husseini also requested support from the Chinese delegation for modern film classification infrastructure, saying technical cooperation could strengthen the board’s capacity to discharge its statutory responsibilities.
The meeting addressed regulatory challenges arising from artificial intelligence, digital distribution platforms and the online circulation of unclassified films. Participants discussed the need for cooperation to promote responsible content distribution and protect intellectual property.
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In his remarks, Bai expressed the delegation’s willingness to explore practical opportunities for cooperation, including improved market access and increased circulation of films between both countries.
The Chinese delegation subsequently invited Husseini to visit China for further discussions on distribution, licensing, classification technology and professional knowledge exchange.
The delegation included Xu Yang and Shang Xiao Meng of China Film Distribution; Yang Gang, Chief Executive Officer of Tai Ge Film Company; and Luo Gaocheng of Tiger Pictures Entertainment.
The meeting was facilitated by veteran filmmaker and Abuja International Film Festival Convener, Fidelis Duker, and attended by members of the NFVCB management team.
No formal agreement was announced at the meeting. The proposed partnership remains at the discussion stage, with further engagement expected to determine practical areas of cooperation.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
