Since the creation of the National Film and Videos Censors Board, Nigerian creatives have continued to yearn for a purposeful leadership of the board.
However, since the emergence of Dr. Shaibu Husseini, the board has undergone tremendous improvement in its affairs and relationship with Nigerian creatives.
A creative and journalist, Dr Husseini’s appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received many commendations and applause from the members of the creative community.
Hence, his success didn’t come as surprising to many of the industry stakeholders.
In a recent chat, Dr. Husseini shared the secrets behind his remarkable achievements at the helm.
Dr. Husseini attributes his success to divine guidance and praises his team’s dedication and expertise. He highlights the importance of staff welfare and involvement, ensuring a highly engaged team.
Since he assumed office 2024 till now, Husseini has spent time turning vision into action not just as a regulator but as a partner in growth for the Nigerian creative industry.
In the last 24 months, Husseini has traveled, spoken on local and global panels and met with the brilliant minds shaping our future.
He said, “My mission has been simple: to make processes faster, protect our creators’ intellectual property and ensure that we balance creativity with regulation.”
In his bid to make a positive impact on NFVCB, Dr Husseini set out to correct the popular ills and complaints of the creatives. From cutting down time for film classification to moving from censorship to classification and protection of the craft, Dr Husseini has continued to score points in the last two years.
Analysing his achievements, Dr Husseini said, “ I have cut down wait times for film classification so creators can get their work to the world without delays. I am leading the move from “Censorship” to “Classification,” pushing for new laws that empower creativity rather than just restricting it. I am taking a firm stand against unauthorized streaming and unclassified uploads on platforms like YouTube. If it’s not classified, it shouldn’t be live.
“Beyond the paperwork, I have been on the ground facilitating media literacy and capacity building, directly impacting the next generation of filmmakers. Collaboration is the heartbeat of Nollywood. Whether I am attending events or streamlining digital licensing, I am committed to building a transparent, globally competitive industry we can all be proud of. The future of African storytelling is bright and I am honored to help guide the way.”
On his experience as the Executive Director of NFVCB, Husseini said, “Two years down at the National Film and Video Censors Board – NFVCB, two years of service, learning, and impact. I am grateful to God for His faithfulness and for the journey. Thankful to Mr. President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honorable Minister Hanatu Musa Musawa, for the trust and confidence. I am also grateful to the dedicated team and stakeholders who made the work and journey meaningful and worthwhile.”
