The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the China Film Administration have explored strategic collaboration to expand film distribution between Nigeria and China, improve market access and strengthen regulatory cooperation in the technology-driven global film industry.
The discussions held in Abuja when a delegation from the China Film Administration, led by Mr Bai Yimin, Chairman of HuaXia Film Distribution Ltd. Co., visited the Board. Receiving the team, Executive Director/CEO, Dr Shaibu Husseini, said the NFVCB is ready to deepen collaboration to facilitate distribution of Nollywood films in China while opening the Nigerian market to Chinese films, noting that such partnerships would expand Nollywood’s global reach, create commercial opportunities and promote cultural exchange.
Husseini however stressed that all distribution arrangements in Nigeria must comply with the country’s regulatory framework, urging the Chinese side to engage only duly registered distribution companies and to seek clarification from the Board on prospective partners. Both sides discussed theatrical distribution, licensing, IP protection, regulatory cooperation and emerging challenges around AI and online distribution of unclassified films, with Husseini requesting support for modern film classification infrastructure. The Chinese delegation invited him to China for further engagement.
