Fed Govt Seeks International Support to Boost Nigerian Film Industry
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Government has called for support from international organizations and relevant stakeholders to enhance the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) in a bid to stimulate economic growth.
This appeal was made by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, during a courtesy visit by the NFC’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dr. Ali Nuhu, and senior members of the corporation at the Ministry in Abuja on Thursday.
Senator Bagudu emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s establishment of the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy was a deliberate move, recognizing the significant contribution of creative industries to national economic growth. “Our major asset rather than liability is the creative industry, and it remains the biggest employer of labour,” the Minister stated.
He urged the NFC to create meaningful opportunities for the youth within the industry and to seek collaborations with international bodies such as the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) of South Korea, Japan, and the French Embassy to advance Nigeria’s creative sector.
The Minister commended Dr. Ali Nuhu as a disruptor brought into the government to utilize his creative talents to convey positive messages of Renewed Hope and project the resilience of Nigerians who strive to live meaningful lives daily.
In his remarks, Dr. Ali Nuhu outlined the purpose of their visit, which was to request an increase in the NFC’s budgetary allocation. He highlighted that additional funding would support the maintenance of liaison offices, development of the NFC permanent site, capacity building for current staff, and the recruitment of new personnel to replace the aging workforce.