The regulator behind every Nigerian screen
The National Film and Video Censors Board is the regulatory body set up by Act No.85 of 1993 to regulate the films and video industry in Nigeria.
The Board is empowered by law to classify all films and videos whether imported or produced locally.
It is also the duty of the Board to register all films and video outlets across the country and to keep a register of such registered outlets, among other functions empowered by the enabling legislation.
Over three decades, NFVCB has grown from a nascent regulatory body into a world-class institution that shapes Nigeria’s vibrant Nollywood industry while protecting the viewing public.
Enabling law
NFVCB Act 85 of 1993
Cap N40 LFN 2004
- Established
- 1993
- Supervising ministry
- Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy
- Head office
- Room B913, Federal Secretariat Complex Phase II, Abuja
- Enquiries
- info@nfvcb.gov.ng
Three decades of regulation
Each era brought a new format and a new challenge. The Board met each one.
1993
Established by Act No.85
The National Film and Video Censors Board is created by law to regulate the films and video industry in Nigeria.
2000s
Nollywood boom — classification at scale
Explosive growth in home video production meets a classification system built to keep pace.
2010s
Digital content regulation introduced
The Board extends its framework to digital formats and new distribution channels.
2020s
Streaming & online distribution licensing
Online exhibition and distribution licences bring global platforms into the national framework.
To contribute to the positive transformation of the Nigerian society through the censorship of films and video works whilst balancing the need to preserve freedom of expression within the law, and limit social harm caused by films.
To be recognized as a world-class film and video regulatory agency that institutes best practice in the discharge of its duties.
Functions of the Board
As conferred by the National Film and Video Censors Board Act 85 of 1993.
- 01
To license a person to exhibit films and video works
- 02
To license a premises for the purposes of exhibiting films and video works
- 03
To classify films and video works
- 04
To regulate and prescribe safety precautions to be observed in licensed premises
- 05
To regulate and control cinematographic exhibitions
- 06
To regulate the import of foreign movies and export of Nigerian movies
- 07
To perform such other functions as are necessary or expedient for the full discharge of all or any of the functions conferred on it by law
Principles guiding film classification
The values that shape every classification decision the Board makes.
- 01
Artistic expression and creative freedom are not unduly curbed.
- 02
Protect national culture, peace and security. Protect children and young persons from harm and prevent access by children to materials which are offensive.
- 03
Strongly encourage and promote the exercise of parental responsibility.
- 04
Movies should be allowed to reach the widest audience that is appropriate for their theme and treatment.
- 05
The context in which something (e.g. sex or violence) is presented is central to the question of its acceptability.
- 06
Take into account community concerns about religion, and prevent the exhibition of materials that are objectionable, likely to cause incitement, civil disorder, portray persons in demeaning manner, incite or condone sexual violence or glamorise criminal acts.
- 07
Members of the public should have information through consumer advice, about materials which they may find offensive, both for themselves and for children in their care.
- 08
Adults (persons over 18) should be free, within the law, to choose what they wish to view.
- 09
The guidelines shall be published annually and revised on the basis of public inputs.