NIGERIAN FILM COMMISSION RESPONDS TO INDUSTRY DISCORD AMID AGN’S DEPARTURE

In light of the recent turmoil within the Nigerian film industry following the exit of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) from the Federation of the Nollywood Guilds and Association (FREGAN) on Monday, the Nigerian Film Commission (NFC) has issued a comprehensive statement seeking to address the discord and promote harmonious collaboration among the industry’s diverse stakeholders.

The NFC’s statement underlines the pressing and overarching need for the various guilds and associations operating within the film sector to come together in unison, recognizing the common interest that binds them, the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood. The NFC stresses that the ability to harness the full benefits of government policies favorable to the growth of the nation’s cinematic domain is fundamentally contingent upon the collective strength of these industry entities and their shared vision.

The NFC’s proclamation further underscores the incumbent Federal Government Administration’s unswerving commitment to reshaping the creative sector, of which film is an integral part, into a linchpin for national development. Evidenced by the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy, the government has signified its intent to elevate and propel the creative industries to the forefront of the nation’s economic and cultural landscape. In this regards, a pivotal initiative has been the institution of a national committee focused on streamlining taxation matters within Nigeria. The ripple effect of this committee’s work is expected to have a direct, beneficial impact on the film industry. Thus, any internal dissension or divergent priorities within the industry are perceived as counterproductive, detracting from the broader, shared mission.

In light of these critical developments, the NFC has made a formal appeal to all the parties embroiled in the current discord to facilitate its resolution through an NFC-brokered meeting to be convened at the Department of Entertainment & Creative Services of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy.

The NFC’s proactive intervention follows the official notification made by the President of AGN to FREGAN regarding the AGN’s decision to disassociate itself from the association. The rationale provided for this withdrawal is rooted in AGN’s aspiration to refocus its efforts on the enhancement of the welfare and well-being of its members, a noble endeavor in itself.

The departure of AGN from FREGAN has elicited significant speculations about the broader state of disunity and structural challenges within Nigeria’s acclaimed film industry, commonly referred to as Nollywood. This situation has prompted the NFC, as the regulatory and governing body for the Nigerian film sector, to step into the fray and advocate for a cooperative approach that underscores the paramount importance of collective synergy for the holistic advancement of Nollywood.

The NFC’s public declaration of unity, mediation, and reconciliation is spearheaded by Brian Etuk, Director of Public Affairs at the Nigerian Film Commission, who reiterates the paramount significance of industry cohesion and appeals to all involved parties to set aside their differences for the greater benefit and well-being of Nollywood.

Nollywood stands as a significant and influential cinematic powerhouse. To ensure the continuation of its impressive growth and contributions to Nigeria’s creative economy, it is imperative that the sector remains united and cohesive in the face of internal challenges and disputes.

The NFC’s resounding call for unity and mediation serves as a beacon of hope that the industry’s internal divisions can be amicably resolved, offering Nollywood a robust platform for flourishing in an environment that is not only conducive but also highly supportive of its aspirations, interests, and objectives.