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Category: News

  • Niger Coup: Tinubu, ECOWAS leaders in crucial meeting

    Niger Coup: Tinubu, ECOWAS leaders in crucial meeting

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State and Government are meeting in Abuja, at an extraordinary summit on the socio-political situation in the Republic of Niger.

    President Bola Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of the ECOWAS, is hosting the meeting to continue to dialogue on the way out of the impasse that the military takeover has thrown the region into. 

    ECOWAS nations, including Niger Republic, would likely impose sanctions on the military headed by the former head of the presidential guard, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani. 

    The African Union (AU), ECOWAS, UN, EU and Niger’s former colonial ruler France, have condemned the takeover, insisting on return to constitutional rule in the country.

    Though funding is still unclear, the ECOWAS leaders have agreed on a regional security force to intervene against jihadists and military coups.

    The AU’s Peace and Security Council “demands the military personnel to immediately and unconditionally return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority, within a maximum period of 15 days”, it said in a communiqué after a meeting on Friday.

    The AU’s Peace and Security Council condemned the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum, who was taken into custody on Wednesday by the coupists.

    The takeover was justified by the junta as a response to the deteriorating security situation in the country.

    In light of the unfolding events, the AU’s call for the military to restore constitutional authority and return to their barracks is aimed at upholding democratic principles and preserving stability in Niger. 

    A communiqué is expected at the end of the one-day meeting.

  • Subsidy Removal: Northern group calls for Kyari’s resignation, plans mass protest

    Subsidy Removal: Northern group calls for Kyari’s resignation, plans mass protest

    The Arewa Citizens Watch for Good Governance (ACWGG), a watchdog group advocating good governance, has announced plans for massive protests on August 3rd to express dissatisfaction with the leadership of Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    The group is calling for Kyari’s immediate sack in response to the recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, which has exacerbated widespread hunger in the Northern part of the country.

    The ACWGG also highlighted the 2022 and early 2023 artificial fuel scarcity that resulted in long queues at filling stations.

     “Miraculously, the queues disappeared immediately after the 2023 general elections.

    “The endemic and systemic corruption that the corporation is known for encouraged the racketeering in the defunct subsidy administration which ended up lining the pockets of major marketers with petro-dollars.

    He said this further reduced resources available for the usage of the common people,” he said.

    Abbas explained that most Nigerians believed that the forces behind the scarcity and unwarranted increase in the price of PMS were working against the interest of President Bola Tinubu, saying such notion ended up boomeranging.

    “The dark forces took the fight to another dimension by persuading the then President-elect to announce the removal of the subsidy without carrying out a proper situation analysis.

    “This, we believe was done to punish poor Nigerians who willingly voted for President Tinubu. Indeed, Nigerians are serving the artificial punishment which is reminiscent of the hard training our armed forces undergo.

    “We are afraid that should the tribunal and Supreme Court Justices order for a rerun election today, we doubt if the president can survive it,” he said.

    The Publicity Secretary perceived the termination of the subsidy regime, where the NNPCL was planning to re-award the Pipeline Surveillance Contract to the Tompolo-owned Tantita Security Company.

    According to him, it was a deliberate way of passing a vote of no confidence on the Armed Forces, who are working tirelessly to ensure that Nigerians are able to sleep with their two eyes closed.

    Abbas, therefore, noted that on that premise, the group was mobilising its members to converge at the NNPCL Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, “to commence mass civil action that will force the NNPCL supreme ruler to either step aside or be sacked by President Tinubu.”

    “We understand that things are very tough for our compatriots. They either come out to protest their way to freedom or stay home to acquire stomach ulcer which might lead to their ultimate end,” he said.

    He called on security agencies to mobilise their men to give the group the necessary protection, noting that “we will only exercise our inalienable rights to peaceful protest.

  • Operation Flush: Police arrest 88 suspected criminals in Lagos

    Operation Flush: Police arrest 88 suspected criminals in Lagos

    The Police Command in Lagos State says it has arrested no fewer than 88 suspected criminals 24 hours after the launch of “Operation Flush”.

    The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Idowu Owohunwa, made the disclosure when the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) hosted him during its monthly congress in Ikeja.

    The “Operation Flush” was launched by the command on Thursday following security concerns by some residents.

    Owohunwa said that during the massive raid, some hard drugs and arms were recovered, stressing that in the following week, the suspects would be paraded.

    He said one of the locations of security concerns raised included Orile/Iganmu axis, stressing that the current tension in the area was linked to the bridge.

    “On Thursday, we held a meeting and we launched the Operation Flush. So, many divisions have undertaken raids of black spots.

    “We have taken some actions; if you pass through Orile, you will see it and we are going to have permanent police deployment along that stretch, but it didn’t stop there.

    “I had to call the local government chairman; the truth is that the place isn’t under construction.

    “So, I think the best way to manage it is to have palliatives, and then there will be some raids to complement it,” he said.

    The police boss, who commended CRAN members for the security feedback he always received, called for a stronger synergy between the association and the command.

    “You are helping me by partnering with me because you are on the ground. I have received quality information, criminal valuable information from some of my friends, even till this morning.

    “I will naturally act, it is a practical example here. So, it is in my interest that we partner, I will gain from it,” he said.

    On gender-based violence, the commissioner said that he has upscaled the capacity of the unit since he assumed office.

    He noted that gender-based violence, sexual abuse, and family-related violence remained one of the highest crimes in Lagos State.

    According to him, it was unfortunate that the crimes were not fully reported because of socio-cultural factors.

    The commissioner, therefore, called on CRAN members to be part of forces against the crimes.

    Owohunwa said the remodeling of the gender-based facility when completed, would have hostel facilities for complainants with about 40 wards.

    The commissioner said while developing the concept, he observed that some survivors of domestic violence may not want to return to the place they were violated.

    “We are now creating hostels for them, within the few days, it will take to resolve the issues, they will have both the children’s area and restaurant area.

    “They will have a recall centre, we have safe custody for those that would be held in there.

    “There will be case management offices, there will be a physio-socio support unit, there will be legal unit.

    “So, it is going to be national standard if not global standard, some NGOs are seeing to it,” he said.

    The police boss expressed the hope that with the gender unit capacity upstaged, there should be more complaints from survivors and families.

    Earlier, the CRAN President, Mr Olalekan Olabulor, expressed the association’s willingness to synergise with the commissioner in the fight against all forms of crime.

    Olabulor requested for regular briefings on the activities of the command.

  • Ministerial List: Police, lawyer ask Senate to disqualify Stella Okotete

    Ministerial List: Police, lawyer ask Senate to disqualify Stella Okotete

    An Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Oladotun Hassan, has asked the Nigerian Senate to disqualify one of the ministerial nominees, Stella Okotete, over allegations of corruption.

    Similarly, the Nigeria Police Force also ordered a discreet investigation of Okotete over alleged falsification of documents and monumental fraud.

    The human rights lawyer ordered a proper investigation over the alleged use of various front companies as proxies to defraud banks of billions of naira and dollars.

    The petition called for a reversal of Okotete’s appointment, stating that she was not qualified to hold such a position.

    “Predicated upon our demand for the independent and conscientious thorough background investigation and profiling of the culprit’s academic credentials and sequence of events as stated in her unsubstantiated and ridiculously padded CV as follows:

    “To investigate her academic profile as regards her school’s records of exams, school fees payments and NYSC certificate, as well allowance payments during years of service.

    “To investigate her disqualification by the Senate and her noncompliance to Senate resolution and ruling is highly contemptuous and disobedience to the constituted authority of Senate,” the petition partly read.

    The Nigeria Police Force investigation order followed a petition by Barrister Aare Oladotun Hassan Esq of Juryman Associate Chambers against the ministerial nominee to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged falsification of documents, fraudulent misrepresentation of qualification to hold Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) statutory position, corrupt practice, monumental fraud and misappropriation.

    The lawyer in had in April, written a petition to the National Assembly through Akinyelure, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition to look into the issue of the Executive Director of Nexim Bank.

  • Humanitarian operations continue in Niger despite coup, says UN

    Humanitarian operations continue in Niger despite coup, says UN

    The United Nations and partners continue their humanitarian assistance in Niger regardless of Wednesday’s coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, UN officials in Niger said at the weekend.

    “The United Nations in Niger would like to confirm that humanitarian assistance and (the) development and peace program continue in the country,” said Nicole Kouassi, acting UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Niger.

    UN humanitarian assistance flights, however, are suspended due to the closure of the Nigerien air space, she told reporters at the UN Headquarters in New York via a video link from Niamey, the Nigerien capital.

    Humanitarian and development partners remain committed to supporting the vulnerable population who are affected by a combination of climate, economic and security shocks, she said.

    Right before the coup, 4.3 million Nigeriens needed humanitarian assistance.

    Some 3.3 million people were in acute food insecurity, the majority of whom were women and children, she said.

    Kouassi, who is also the representative of the UN Development Programme in Niger, called for more funds as the UN humanitarian response plan for Niger, which requires 583 million U.S. dollars, is only 32 per cent funded.

    She said the situation in the country remains calm and the UN staff face no security threats, with all UN staff members accounted for and no accidents related to UN staff, vehicles or other resources.

    According to Kouassi, the UN team in Niger is not in contact with the military as it does not have a political mandate.

    Even if contact with the Nigerien military is required, no engagement is expected until after a summit of the Economic Community of West African States on Sunday and on the condition that the country team receives instructions from the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel.

    Jean-Noel Gentile, the representative of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Niger, also confirmed that the programme’s humanitarian operations continued with cash and food assistance to Nigeriens.

    The closure of the Nigerien borders has temporarily affected logistical support to operations in neighboring Chad for Sudanese refugees, and the WFP is working on alternative routes to Chad, he told the same press briefing. 

     
  • NGX Group achieves impressive N700m profit before tax in H1 2023

    NGX Group achieves impressive N700m profit before tax in H1 2023

    The Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) on Friday said it recorded a profit before tax of 700 million in its unaudited results for the half year ended June 30.

    Mr Oscar Onyema, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, said in a statement made available on Friday in Lagos that the group demonstrated resilience by the result.

    Onyema said that the group’s half-year financial results for the ongoing year reflects the impact of economic headwinds.

    He said with market friendly pronouncements, already made by the new government, trading and listing activities would continue the positive impact experienced in June.

    “Consistent with our strategic objective to maximise shareholder value, the Board of Directors has consented to an interim dividend of 25k per ordinary share of 50k, which translates to a total payout of N495.53 million.

    “This initiative underscores better flow through of dividend from an associate company and first-time dividend payment from our flagship subsidiary.

    “It also emphasises our continued commitment to working collaboratively with our shareholders and other stakeholders in creating and distributing value, even in challenging market conditions,” he said.

    According to him, the group’s gross earnings recorded a decrease of 12.5 per cent to N3.70 billion from N4.22 billion as of June 2022.

    Onyema said that other income increased by 24.9 per cent to N490 million from N393 million in the same period.

    Onyema said that the NGX group’s revenue decreased by 16.3 per cent to N3.2 billion in June from N3.82 billion recorded in June 2022.

    He noted that the record was driven by 14.6 per cent decline in treasury investment income, which is 27.1 per cent of revenue to N869 million in June.

    The managing director noted that the record was relative to N1.02 million in the comparative period in 2022, primarily driven by a comparative reduction in its treasury holdings year-over-year.

    Onyema said the group’s transaction fees recorded 21.2 percent decline, which is 57.2 percent of revenue to N1.83 million in June from N2.32 million recorded in June 2022, due to a drop in trading activities in the Exchange

    He stated that the group recorded 6.7 percent increase in listing fees, which is 12.1 percent of revenue to N388.1 million in June from N363.8 million in June 2022.

    According to him, the increase was buoyed by improved listing on the Exchange in the first half of the year, which was relative to the first half of 2022.

    Onyema said, the group’s rental income, which is 2.2 percent of revenue earned from NGX Real Estate lease of office floor spaces recorded 38.6 percent increase from N51.8 million in June 2022 to N71.7 million as of June.

    He said that the group recorded 39.5 percent decline in other fees, indicating 1.3 percent of its revenue to N42.1 million in June from N69.7 million in June 2022.

    According to him, this represents rental income from the trading floor, annual charges from brokers, dealing licenses, and membership fees earned by the group.

    The managing director stated that the group recorded 33.3 percent decline in operating profit of N1.08 million in June from N1.61 million in June 2022, as a result of the 16.3 percent decline in revenue year-on-year.

    “Profit before income tax declined by 40.6 percent to N726 million in June from N1.22 million in the corresponding period of 2022, due to a reduction in the top line year-on-year.

    “Profit after income tax declined by 45.9 percent to N444.1 million from N820.2 million. This also resulted in a decline in profit after tax margin to 12.03 percent from 19.45 percent recorded in June 2022.

    “Total assets decreased by 3.7 percent to N54.94 billion from N57.06 billion in December 2022, driven primarily by 33.1 percent decline in trade and other receivables to N712.86 million from N1.07 million in December 2022.

    “Also, moderated by a 5.31 percent growth in cash and cash equivalent to N5 billion from N4.75 billion in December 2022,” he said.

    According to him, the group’s total liabilities saw 12.3 percent reduction, falling from N20.3 billion in December 2022 to N17.8 billion.

    Onyema explained that the decrease was primarily due to the repayment of a term loan that was used to finance investments in selected associates.

  • Labour walks out of meeting with FG over subsidy removal palliatives

    Labour walks out of meeting with FG over subsidy removal palliatives

    In a significant turn of events, representatives of organized labour on Friday walked out of a crucial meeting with the Federal Government’s team on palliatives. The meeting was convened to address the issue of providing relief measures to offset the impact of fuel subsidy removal in the country.
    The labour team, led by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, left the meeting without addressing the press as they exited the venue.
    The discussions were meant to continue the deliberations on the palliative measures that could alleviate the burden of the subsidy removal on the general populace.
    Earlier, the representatives from both the government and labour had met on Wednesday, and the initial reports indicated a positive outcome from those discussions. The expectation was that the government would provide feedback on the demands put forth by the labor representatives when they resumed the meeting on Friday.
    However, to the disappointment of those present, the meeting could not proceed as planned because the government’s representatives were reportedly absent. This no-show led the labour officials to take the decision to walk out in protest.
    Adding to the frustrations, members of the labour teams faced delays at the entrance gate of the State House as they awaited clearance before being allowed into the meeting venue.
    These circumstances only furthered the tensions and impeded progress during the scheduled discussions.
    The issue of fuel subsidy removal has been a contentious one, with labour advocating for measures to mitigate its impact on the citizens. As the situation stands, the unresolved negotiations between the government and labour have led to a standstill in finding viable palliative solutions.
    The hope now lies in the willingness of both parties to reconvene and engage in meaningful dialogue, finding common ground to address the concerns of the populace and ensure the smooth implementation of any subsidy removal palliatives in the future.
    In the meantime, it is presumed that the proposed nationwide strike for August 2 next could still go on.

  • Alleged Corruption: Court petitioned to order arrest, prosecution of NPA’s Bello-Koko

    Alleged Corruption: Court petitioned to order arrest, prosecution of NPA’s Bello-Koko

    The Federal High Court has been asked to order the arrest and prosecution of the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, over allegations of fraud and financial misconduct. 

    Also joined in the suit by the plaintiff, Comrade Isah Buta, are the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Chairman, the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service. 

    In suit number FHC/KD/CS/78/2023, dated July 18, 2023, Bello-Koko was accused of gross abuse of office, misappropriation of public funds and money laundering while serving as Executive Director, Finance and Administration as well as MD/CEO of the NPA between January 2015 till date. 

    Buta, through his lawyers, Messrs Lawrence Ijimdiya & Associates, alleged that Bello-Koko abused his offices as Executive Director, Finance and Administration as well as Acting Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to massively amass wealth which he deployed to acquire choice properties in the United Kingdom.

    “Specifically, the 1st Defendant used two BVI-incorporated shell companies namely; Coulwood Limited (Registration Number: 1487897) and Marney Limited (Registration Number: 1487944) to secretly register a total of 6(six) properties. 

    “The Plaintiff states that based on Punch online newspaper report of 18th October 2021 the EFCC was supposed to investigate the 1st Defendant alongside other top politicians in Nigeria following revelations that he operated foreign accounts which he did not declare to the Code of Conduct Bureau when he served as Director of Finance and Administration before becoming Acting Managing Director of NPA.

    “The Plaintiff further states that the 1st Defendant may have hidden his ill-gotten wealth in tax havens such as Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, and the British Isle of Man using the said foreign accounts to evade paying taxes to the Nigerian Government.

    “The Plaintiff states and shall contend during the trial of this suit that in 2022, an Investigative Report released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) indicted Koko for being involved in N829, 000, 000 (Eight Hundred and Twenty-Nine Million Naira) fraud through kickbacks and money laundering activities.

    “The EFCC probe report exclusively obtained by Sahara Reporters in April 2022 revealed that the 1st Defendant after being investigated was found to have received N829, 000, 000 (Eight Hundred and Twenty-Nine Million Naira) from NPA contractors, and in cash sums from individuals and companies.

    “At the time the report was done, the 1st Defendant was the acting Managing Director of the NPA. Following the suspension of Hadiza Bala Usman as the Managing Director of NPA by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Presidency announced the 1st Defendant as her replacement in an acting capacity.

    The Plaintiff sought the following reliefs from the Honourable Court: 

    “A DECLARATION that the 1st Defendant ought to have been arrested and prosecuted by the 3rd Defendant by virtue of its own (3rd Defendant’s) financial profiling and report on the financial misconducts or improprieties of the 1st Defendant specifically on his gross Abuse of Office, Misappropriation of Public Funds, Fraud and Money Laundering contrary to Sections 18 (4) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the 7th Schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) while serving as Executive Director, Finance and Administration as well as Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) between January, 2015 till date.

    “AN ORDER DIRECTING the 3rd Defendant to arrest and prosecute the 1st Defendant based on the financial profiling and report on the financial improprieties of the 1st Defendant particularly as it relates to offences on Abuse of Office, Misappropriation of Public Funds, Fraud and Money Laundering contrary to Sections 18 (4) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the 7th Schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended while serving as Executive Director, Finance and Administration as well as Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) between January, 2015 till date.

    “AN ORDER DIRECTING the 4th Defendant to arrest and prosecute the 1st Defendant in the light of his overwhelming indictment for offences bordering on failure to declare his assets, Abuse of Office as well as abuse of his oath of office in violation of the 7th schedule of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended.

    “AN ORDER DIRECTING the 5th Defendant to arrest and prosecute the 1st Defendant for the indicted offences bordering on Abuse of Office contrary to the 7th Schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended while serving as Executive Director, Finance and Administration as well as Acting Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) between January, 2015 till date.

    “AN ORDER MANDATING the 6th Defendant to revoke the International Passport of 1st Defendant and restraining him from traveling out of Nigeria to take refuge in either London, Dubai, Canada, United States of America or any other part of the world wheresoever to give room for his speedy arrest and prosecution by the 3rd and 4th Defendants for the offences bordering on Abuse of Office, Misappropriation of Public Funds, Fraud and Money Laundering contrary to Sections 18 (4) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the 7th Schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) while serving as Executive Director, Finance and Administration as well as Acting Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) between January, 2015 date.

    “COST in the sum of N200,000,000 (Two Hundred Million Naira) to cover expenses incurred by the Plaintiff for initiating this suit.”

    No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit. 

  • Gov Inuwa appoints 12 new Permanent Secretaries

    Gov Inuwa appoints 12 new Permanent Secretaries

    Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON has approved the appointment of 12 new permanent secretaries in the state civil service. 

    The Acting Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi, who conveyed the Governor’s approval, said the appointments were based on their suitability in terms of credentials, experience, hard work, commitment, and loyalty, as well as their performance at the promotion examinations and interviews.

    According to the Acting Head of Civil Service, the development is also in line with the present administration’s commitment to reinvigorating the civil service and the resolve to ensure that hardworking civil servants attain the peak of their career before retirement.

    The new permanent secretaries are Mohammed Ibrahim Jalo and Adamu Mohammed Kala from Akko Local Government; Dr. Ibrahim Yakubu – Balanga; Sa’adatu Bome Ishaya -Billiri; Abubakar Adamu- Dukku; Abdulkadir Adamu, Abubakar Babayo Hassan, Gombe and Ahmed Mohammed Yunusa – Gombe LGA.

    Others are: Mohammed Dantata Ndus – Kaltungo; Abubakar Bella M/ sidi – Kwami; Shuaibu Ibrahim -Shongom and Mohammed Ismail Hina -Yamaltu Deba LGA.

    All the appointments are with immediate effect.

  • Nollywood bolsters Nigeria’s GDP with 541 movies in Q2 -NFVCB

    Nollywood bolsters Nigeria’s GDP with 541 movies in Q2 -NFVCB

    Nollywood has become a vital driving force behind Nigeria’s economic growth, showcasing its remarkable impact by producing an impressive tally of 541 movies during the second quarter of the year, as reported by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).

    The Executive Director/CEO of NFVCB, Adedayo Thomas, made this disclosure in a statement released on a Friday in Abuja.

    According to him, this valuable information was sourced from the Department of Film Censorship and Classification, a division within the board, and was compiled into the second-quarter report for the year.

    He said that the significance of this data lies in its intended use as input for the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) compilation for the second quarter of 2023.

    “By submitting this report to the relevant Federal Government agency, NFVCB ensures that Nollywood’s immense contribution to the economy is rightfully recognized and accounted for.

    “Notably, there was a significant surge in movie production during this period, with a staggering increase from 280 films in the first quarter to an impressive 541 films in the second quarter. This notable uptick represents a remarkable upward slope of over 90 percent” Thomas said.

    Analyzing the distribution of these films, the Abuja censorship center of NFVCB accounted for a considerable portion of the movies produced during the review period, with a total of 287 films. Following closely behind, Lagos contributed 155 movies, solidifying its position as another major hub of filmmaking in Nigeria.

    The Onitsha censorship center followed suit with 82 films, while Kano center contributed 12 films, Port Harcourt contributed three, and finally, Abeokuta and Kaduna centers each contributed one movie, rounding off the production figures.

    Nollywood’s role as a key contributor to Nigeria’s GDP cannot be understated, and this impressive second-quarter performance further solidifies its position as a prominent player in the country’s economic landscape. As the industry continues to flourish, it is sure to wield even more influence on both the cultural and financial fronts.

     “The remarkable increase in output is an indication of the increased contribution of the film industry to economic growth in terms of direct and indirect jobs in the entire value chain in filmmaking.

    “This undoubtedly reiterates the fact that our film industry remains a key contributor to the national economy as the films being produced are a clear reflection of the direct and indirect jobs the sector is creating.

    “Our cordial relationship with the recognized guilds/associations in the industry has also played an important role, and we urge them to ensure that their members submit their films for censorship and approval.

    “NFVCB as a Federal Government agency is committed to providing an enabling environment for filmmakers,” Thomas said.

    NFVCB is a Federal Government agency that regulates the film 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.

    “The remarkable increase in output is an indication of the increased contribution of the film industry to economic growth in terms of direct and indirect jobs in the entire value chain in filmmaking.

    “This undoubtedly reiterates the fact that our film industry remains a key contributor to the national economy as the films being produced are a clear reflection of the direct and indirect jobs the sector is creating.

    “Our cordial relationship with the recognized guilds/associations in the industry has also played an important role, and we urge them to ensure that their members submit their films for censorship and approval.

    “NFVCB as Federal Government agency is committed to providing enabling environment for filmmakers,” Thomas said.

    NFVCB is a Federal Government agency 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.