EXHIBITION PREMISE LICENSE

CATEGORIES OF EXHIBITION PREMISES

  • Major Cinema
  • Medium Cinema
  • Small Cinema and
  • Viewing Center

CINEMA


A Premise where a Board’s licensed Exhibitor exhibits Films and Video works, to which admission is or may be procured by payment of money or by ticket or by other means or consideration.

Requirements for licensing Exhibition Premises

  • A completed application Form, attached with a Passport Photograph of the Chief Executive Officer
  • Photocopy of a National or Regional Exhibitors Licence as applicable in the circumstance.
  • Federal Fire Service Certificate as to the safety of the Premises
  • Photocopies of the Bank payment tellers and NFVCB’s receipts
  • A reference letter from the Bank
  • Detailed Profile of the Cinema(s) specifying:
  1. The operator’s Profile
  2. The nature of the Cinema
  3. The number of exhibition halls and their seating capacities
  4. The available exit routes, in case of emergency
  5. Adequate Fire precautions
  6. The type and materials used for the seats and walls shall be fire resistant
  7. Well arranged rows in the Cinema to afford free access in case of emergency
  8. The arrangement of the halls must provide for people with disability and physically challenged.
  9. The Premises should have Posters printed in large characters, with instructions as to the  actions to be taken in case of emergency and
  10. Any other information that is considered relevant.

NOTE:

  • Cinemas are categorized into Major, Medium, and Small Cinemas.
  • Viewing Centers are not Cinemas.
  • Cinemas have the same requirements
  • The category of a Cinema is determined by its sitting capacity as indicated in the box below
S/N CATEGORY MULTIPLEX SINGLE SCREEN
1 MAJOR CINEMA HALL 201 Seats and above 1001 Seats and above
2 MEDIUM CINEMA HALL Between 101 and 200 Between 501 and 1000
3 SMALL CINEMA HALL 100 and below 500 and below

 

VIEWING CENTER

A Viewing Center is any house, room, building, garden, shop or place (enclosure) usually with poor level of infrastructure where any film or video work is exhibited, to which admission is or may be procured by payment of money or by ticket or by other means or consideration and usually located in communities.

Requirements for Viewing Center License

  • A completed form, attached with the Passport Photograph of the Chief Executive Officer.
  • A certificate of incorporation, Registration of Business name, or any other substitute as may be prescribed by the Board.
  • Photocopies of the Bank payment tellers and NFVCB’s receipts for Three Thousand Naira (N3,000.00) processing fees and Ten thousand Naira (N10,000.00) licensing fee
  • Bank Statement of the Proprietor
  • A description of the Viewing center in a profile form, stating:
  1. The name of the Viewing Center (if any)
  2. The address of the Viewing Center
  3. The seating capacity
  4. Any other information that may be useful to the Board.

 

 

SPOT EXHIBITION

A Permit granted to a Licensed Exhibitor to exhibit Films and Video works once, in a Premise that is not licensed for the exhibition of Film and Video works, to which admission is or may be procured by payment of money or by ticket or by other means or consideration

Requirements for Spot Exhibition

  • A completed application Form or an application letter stating what would have been contained in an application Form
  • Photocopy of the Exhibitor’s Licence of the applicant
  • Federal or State Fire Service Certificate as to the safety of the Premises
  • Evidence of payment and NFVCB’s receipts for the Licence and Processing fees
  • A detailed Profile of the venue specifying:
  1. The Operators: the applicant must show that the Operators are fit and proper persons to operate a Cinema and be granted a License
  2. The nature of the venue: Detailed description of the venue to be explained
  3. The safety arrangement: Evidence of the safety arrangement put in place by the operators must be explained and attached
  4. The Film to exhibit: The name of the Film or Video work to be exhibited must be stated. Also the synopsis, and the necessary approvals given by the Board must be attached
  5. Permit from the owners of the Premises: Evidence of the agreement with or Permit from the owners of the premises must be attached.

Confirmation Report:  inspection report from a staff of the Board confirming that:

  1. The owner of the Premises gave approval
  2. The premises is good for the purpose
  3. The safety arrangement put in place is adequate and
  4. There is provision for our staff to be in attendance

 

COMMUNITY EXHIBITION PREMISES LICENSING

(Requirements and Application Guidelines)

1.              Purpose

This Policy sets out the mandatory requirements, operational standards, documentation, and conditions for the issuance of a Community Exhibition Premises License to qualified applicants seeking to establish and operate a Community Cinema within Nigeria under the regulatory oversight of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).

2.              Eligibility

A Community Exhibition Premises License shall be granted only to applicants who:

  1. Hold a valid Licensed Exhibitor status issued by the NFVCB;
  2. Meet the location, technical, operational, and compliance requirements set out in this Policy; and
  3. Demonstrate the capacity to operate within rural communities.

 

3.              Application Requirements

Applicants shall submit the following documents and information:

3.1.    Application Form

A duly completed and signed Community Exhibition Premises License Application Form, including evidence of being a Licensed Exhibitor under the NFVCB.

 

3.2.    Location Requirements

  1. The proposed premises must be located within a rural community.
  2. The Community Cinema shall operate only within the approved Local Government Area (LGA).
  3. The premises must be located at a minimum distance of three (3) to four (4) kilometers from any major or traditional cinema in order to protect market viability.

3.3.    Programming and Content Obligations

The Applicant shall undertake to:

  1. Primarily premiere and promote Nigerian and local film content, educational and community-based events.
  2. Exhibit only films duly classified by the NFVCB.
  3. Prominently and visibly display NFVCB classification symbols and ratings on promotional materials and on-screen prior to exhibition.
  4. Observe a minimum of four (4) weeks’ theatrical release in traditional cinemas before exhibition in a Community Cinema.
  5. Comply with all applicable content regulations, advisories, and directives issued by the NFVCB from time to time.

3.4.    Technical and Operational Standards

The Applicant shall ensure that the Community Cinema meets the following minimum standards:

  1. Seating Capacity: The seating capacity shall not exceed one hundred (100) seats.
  2. Projection Standards:
  3. Projection systems must meet a minimum High Definition (HD 1080p) standard.
  4. Acceptable aspect ratios shall include 1.85:1 or 2.39:1.
  5. Cost-effective LED projection systems may be utilized, provided minimum quality standards are maintained.
  6. Where Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs) are used, projection systems shall align with standards adapted from Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) and Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), including encryption key capability for anti-piracy protection.

3.     Audio Standards: The cinema shall provide, at minimum, basic stereo or surround sound systems suitable for the approved seating capacity.

 

4.     Data and Revenue Reporting: The Applicant shall provide evidence of integration with ComScore or any NFVCB-approved box office data reporting platform for box office data and revenue reporting.

3.5.    Safety Compliance

  1. The Applicant shall submit a valid Federal or State Fire Service Certificate certifying that the premises is fit for operation as a cinema in line with the provisions of the NFVCB Act and other applicable laws and regulations.
  2. The premises must comply with all health, safety, emergency access, and building control standards as required by relevant authorities.

3.6.    Professional Affiliation

The Applicant shall provide evidence of affiliation with a recognized and registered body for cinema exhibition in Nigeria.

3.7.    Payment of Fees

Evidence of payment of the prescribed fees as follows:

  1. Licensing Fee: ₦150,000
  2. Processing Fee: ₦10,000

Payments shall be made through the Remita platform or any other government-approved payment platform, and official receipt(s) must be obtained from the National Film and Video Censors Board.

4.       Compliance

  1. All submitted documents must be valid, authentic, and up to date.
  2. The NFVCB reserves the right to verify all information provided, inspect operational facilities, and monitor exhibition activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
  3. The NFVCB may request additional documentation or clarification where necessary.
  4. Failure to comply with any of the above requirements may result in delay, suspension, refusal, or revocation of the License.

For further inquiries, please contact: nfvcb_ldd@nfvcb.gov.ng

MOBILE EXHIBITION LICENSING

(Specific Requirements and Application Guidelines)

 

  1. Purpose

This Policy sets out the specific requirements, documentation, and operational conditions for the licensing and regulation of Mobile Film Exhibition within Nigeria.

The objective of this Policy is to ensure that mobile exhibition activities are conducted in compliance with classification standards, safety regulations, and the provisions of the NFVCB Act.

  1. Eligibility

A Mobile Exhibition License shall be granted only to applicants who:

  1. Hold valid exhibitor status under the NFVCB regulatory framework;
  2. Demonstrate the capacity to conduct mobile film exhibition responsibly across approved venues; and
  3. Comply with all operational, safety, and reporting requirements outlined in this Policy and under the NFVCB ACT.
  4. Application Requirements

Applicants shall submit the following documents and information:

3.1.    Application Form

A duly completed and signed Mobile Exhibition Application Form.

3.2.    Proposed Exhibition Schedule

  1. A comprehensive list of films intended for exhibition.
  2. Approval and classification details of the listed films
  3. Details of exhibition dates and times.

The above information shall be submitted to the NFVCB on a quarterly basis.

3.3.    Locations and Venues

  1. The Applicant shall provide a detailed list of all locations and premises intended for use across the country.
  2. Each premises intended for mobile exhibition shall be subject to inspection and approval by the NFVCB prior to use.
  3. The premises used for mobile exhibition must not be a static facility established solely for cinema purposes.

3.4.    Film Classification Compliance

  1. All films exhibited must be duly classified by the NFVCB.
  2. NFVCB classification symbols and ratings must be prominently and visibly displayed on promotional materials and on-screen prior to exhibition.

3.5.    Professional Affiliation

The Applicant shall provide evidence of affiliation with a recognized and registered body for cinema exhibition in Nigeria.

3.6.    Seating Capacity

  1. The seating capacity for each premises shall be determined based on the size and safety compliance of the premises.
  2. Under no circumstance shall seating capacity exceed three hundred (300) persons per approved hall or premises.

3.7.    Fire Service Safety Certification

For each premises intended for mobile exhibition, the Applicant shall submit a valid Federal or State Fire Service Certificate certifying that the premises is fit for operation as an exhibition premises in accordance with the provisions of the NFVCB Act and applicable regulations.

3.8.    Payment of Fees

  1. A non-refundable Exhibition Fee of Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (₦350,000) shall be payable per hall or premises approved for mobile exhibition.
  2. A Processing Fee of Ten Thousand Naira (₦10,000) shall also be payable per hall or premises.

Payments shall be made through the Remita platform or any other government-approved payment platform, and official receipt(s) must be obtained from the National Film and Video Censors Board.

 

  1. Compliance
  2. All submitted documents must be valid, authentic, and up to date.
  3. The NFVCB reserves the right to verify all information provided, inspect operational facilities, and monitor exhibition activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
  4. The NFVCB may request additional documentation or clarification where necessary.
  5. Failure to comply with any of the above requirements may result in delay, suspension, refusal, or revocation of the License.

 

For further inquiries, please contact: nfvcb_ldd@nfvcb.gov.ng

 

 

EXHIBITION PREMISES LICENSING

(Requirements and Application Guidelines)

                                   

1.       Purpose

This Policy sets out the mandatory requirements, operational standards, documentation, and conditions for the issuance of an Exhibition Premises License to qualified applicants seeking to establish and operate a Cinema within Nigeria under the regulatory oversight of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).

2.       Eligibility

An Exhibition Premises License shall be granted only to applicants who:

  1. Meet the location, technical, operational, and compliance requirements set out in this Policy; and
  2. Demonstrate the financial, managerial, and technical capacity to operate and sustain a cinema business within Nigeria.

3.       Application Requirements

Applicants shall submit the following documents and information:

3.1.    Application Form

  1. A duly completed and signed Exhibition Premises License Application Form.

3.2.    Location Classification Requirements

Exhibition Premises shall be classified according to location and infrastructure profile as follows:

  1. Major Hall – Located in cosmopolitan areas with a high level of public infrastructure and accessibility.
  2. Medium Hall – Located in urban areas with a medium level of public infrastructure.
  3. Small Hall – Located in suburban areas with a relatively lower level of public infrastructure.
  4. Drive-In Cinema – Located in designated open spaces, including rural, sub-urban or semi-urban communities, suitable for vehicular-based exhibition.
  5. Mobile Cinema – A movable or temporary exhibition structure designed for flexible operation across approved locations.

3.3.    Programming and Content Obligations

The Applicant shall undertake to:

  1. Exhibit only films duly approved and classified by the NFVCB.
  2. Prominently and visibly display NFVCB classification symbols and ratings on all promotional materials and on-screen prior to exhibition.
  3. Comply with all applicable content regulations, advisories, and directives issued by the NFVCB from time to time.

3.4.    Technical and Operational Standards

The Applicant shall ensure that the premises meets the following minimum standards:

3.4.1.           Seating Capacity and Prescribed Fees

Seating capacity and applicable fees shall be as follows:

  1. Major Hall
    1. Seating Capacity: Two Hundred and One (201) seats and above.
    2. Processing Fee: ₦10,000.00
    3. License Fee: ₦250,000.00
  2. Medium Hall
    1. Seating Capacity: One Hundred and One (101) to Two Hundred (200) seats.
    2. Processing Fee: ₦10,000.00
    3. License Fee: ₦200,000.00
  3. Small Hall
    1. Seating Capacity: One (1) to One Hundred (100) seats.
    2. Processing Fee: ₦10,000.00
    3. License Fee: ₦150,000.00
  4. Drive-In Cinema
    1. Seating Capacity: Not applicable (vehicular capacity as approved by the NFVCB).
    2. Processing Fee: ₦10,000.00
    3. License Fee: ₦350,000.00
  5. Mobile Cinema
    1. Seating Capacity: Not fixed (subject to NFVCB approval).
    2. Processing Fee: ₦10,000.00
    3. License Fee: ₦350,000.00

All payments shall be made through the Remita platform or any other government-approved payment platform, and official receipt(s) must be obtained from the NFVCB.

3.4.2.  Projection Standards
  1. Projection systems must meet a minimum High Definition (HD 1080p) standard.
  2. Acceptable aspect ratios shall include 1.85:1 or 2.39:1.
  3. Cost-effective LED projection systems may be utilized, provided minimum quality standards are maintained.
  4. Where Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs) are used, projection systems shall align with standards adapted from Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) and the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), including encryption key capability for anti-piracy protection.
3.4.3.           Audio Standards
  1. The cinema shall provide, at minimum, basic stereo or surround sound systems suitable for the approved seating capacity.
  2. Audio systems shall be professionally installed and calibrated to ensure clarity and audience safety.
3.4.4. Data and Revenue Reporting
  1. The Applicant shall provide evidence of integration with ComScore or any NFVCB-approved box office data reporting platform for accurate revenue and attendance reporting.
  2. Periodic box office returns shall be submitted to the NFVCB in the prescribed format and timeline.

3.5.    Safety Compliance

  1. The Applicant shall submit a valid Federal or State Fire Service Certificate certifying that the premises is fit for operation as a cinema in line with the provisions of the NFVCB Act and other applicable laws and regulations.
  2. The premises must comply with all health, safety, emergency access, and building control standards as required by relevant authorities.

3.6.    Professional Affiliation

  1. The Applicant shall provide evidence of affiliation with a recognized and registered body for cinema exhibition in Nigeria.

4.       Compliance

  1. All submitted documents must be valid, authentic, and up to date.
  2. The NFVCB reserves the right to verify all information provided, inspect premises prior to approval, and conduct periodic compliance inspections after licensing.
  3. The NFVCB may request additional documentation or clarification where necessary.
  4. Failure to comply with any of the above requirements may result in delay, suspension, refusal, or revocation of the License.

 

For further inquiries, please contact: nfvcb_ldd@nfvcb.gov.ng