The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the China Film Administration have explored a strategic partnership to expand film distribution between Nigeria and China, with a focus on improving market access for filmmakers and strengthening regulatory cooperation....
By Boluwatife Kehinde-Idowu
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the China Film Administration have explored a strategic partnership to expand film distribution between Nigeria and China, with a focus on improving market access for filmmakers and strengthening regulatory cooperation.
In a statement published on its website on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the NFVCB said the discussions took place during a visit by a Chinese delegation led by Mr Bai Yimin, Chairman of HuaXia Film Distribution Ltd. Co., to the board’s office in Abuja.
Receiving the delegation, the NFVCB Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Shaibu Husseini, reaffirmed the board’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Chinese film industry stakeholders to facilitate the distribution of Nigerian films, particularly Nollywood productions, in China.
He also said the collaboration would create opportunities for Chinese films to reach wider audiences in Nigeria.
Dr Husseini said international partnerships could expand Nollywood’s global reach, open new commercial opportunities for Nigerian filmmakers and distributors, and promote cultural exchange and economic growth through cinema and audiovisual content.
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He expressed the board’s willingness to enter into appropriate agreements to facilitate mutually beneficial cooperation.
However, he stressed that all distribution arrangements involving the Nigerian market must comply with the country’s regulatory framework.
He urged the Chinese delegation to work only with duly registered distribution companies in Nigeria and to consult the board on the registration and regulatory status of prospective partners.
According to the NFVCB, discussions covered practical ways to strengthen commercial film distribution between both countries, including theatrical distribution, licensing arrangements, regulatory cooperation and the exchange of technical expertise.
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The meeting also highlighted the need for transparent and efficient licensing and rights-acquisition processes to support legitimate cross-border distribution, protect intellectual property and reduce barriers to international market access.
Dr Husseini further requested support from the Chinese delegation in providing modern film classification infrastructure to strengthen the board’s operational capacity.
He said technical cooperation and knowledge exchange would help build institutional capacity in an industry increasingly shaped by technological innovation and changing distribution models.
The discussions also addressed emerging challenges in film regulation, including the growing influence of artificial intelligence, digital distribution platforms and the circulation of unclassified films through online channels.
Both sides acknowledged the need for closer cooperation to promote responsible content distribution, regulatory compliance and intellectual property protection.
In his remarks, Mr Bai Yimin expressed the delegation’s willingness to explore practical ways to strengthen film distribution between Nigeria and China, noting the potential for cooperation to expand market access and deepen bilateral engagement through cinema and audiovisual content.
The Chinese delegation subsequently invited Dr Husseini to visit China for further discussions on film distribution, licensing, classification, technological advancement and professional knowledge exchange.
Other members of the delegation included Mr Xu Yang and Mr Shang Xiao Meng of China Film Distribution; Mr Yang Gang, Chief Executive Officer of Tai Ge Film Company; and Mr Luo Gaocheng of Tiger Pictures Entertainment.
The meeting was facilitated by veteran filmmaker and Convener of the Abuja International Film Festival, Mr Fidelis Duker.