Mr. Adedayo Thomas, the Executive Director, National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), says the organization is committed to exploring virtual platforms in its service delivery to the motion picture industry.
Thomas made this known on Friday in an interview with Newsmen on the sidelines of the organization’s first teleconference board meeting in Abuja.
According to Thomas, the NFVCB as a critical stakeholder in the creative sector has resolved to adopt virtual platforms in carrying out some of its functions, including censoring and classification activities amidst the coronavirus lockdown.
He said that the virtual operation had enabled the board members to deliberate on salient issues affecting the organization even as they observed social distancing necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said this had also presented the opportunity to classify movies and video works produced before the COVID-19 lockdown, which had totally halted the motion picture sector.
“We understand it has been a challenging period for us as a nation with the advent of the coronavirus disease pandemic.
“However, the business of government must continue and that is why we have decided to explore virtual platforms as a good alternative in getting some of our jobs done.
“Thirty-five of our governing board members spread across different states were able to attend our first meeting for the year from the comfort of their homes and offices through zoom hosted here at the headquarters.
“The board was able to ratify the 2020 promotion examination and some pending disciplinary cases and it also got updated on the level of implementation of this year’s budget, among other matters.
“As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual platforms have become useful options for businesses and urgent functions of government and we most key into it to keep our economy working,” he said.
The NFVCB chief lamented the harsh realities of the pandemic on the global economy, including the creative sector and the film industry in particular.
He, however, expressed hope that the tough time would pass in all aspects of our national life and urged Nollywood stakeholders to adhere to precautionary measures prescribed by health authorities toward preventing coronavirus.
“I encourage our filmmakers to keep the spirit high and take all necessary precautions as advised and directed by relevant government bodies and agencies.
“However, in order to keep the system running so as not to jeopardize the business interest of stakeholders, the board now operates virtually from its headquarters here in Abuja.
“Should they have any finished film/video work for censorship during this period, they can get such works to us through an online process,” he said.
Reports that the NFVCB is a Federal Government body that regulates 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 videos outlet across the country and to keep a register of such registered outlets among other functions.
