The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) wrapped up its 5th Peace Anyiam-Osigwe (PAO) Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference, held on November 18–19 at the MUSON Centre in Lagos.
Running under the banner “From Volume to Value: The Future of the Nigerian Motion Picture Industry in the Digital Age,” the two-day event brought together leading figures from Nollywood, including actors, directors, producers, and screenwriters — as well as regulators and cultural stakeholders.
Renowned theatre and film producer Bolanle Austen-Peters, popularly known as BAP, delivered the keynote address. The NFVCB selected her for her unique combination of artistic vision and business acumen, qualities officials say are vital for steering Nollywood toward “value-driven storytelling.”
According to NFVCB Executive Director Dr. Shaibu Husseini, the conference’s theme underscores a shift away from high-volume production toward work that is sustainable, globally competitive, and culturally resonant.
One of the standout moments came on day one when Austen-Peters was honored by the NFVCB for her contributions to Nigerian theatre and film. She received a large portrait and a plaque amid warm applause, celebrating her role in elevating the quality and international reach of African storytelling.
Other awardees included Joy Odiete, Femi Odugbemi, Funke Akindele, Cinemax, FilmOne, Moses Babatope, Chioma Ude, and the film “Gingerrr.” These recognitions highlighted the NFVCB’s commitment to honoring both creative and business excellence in the industry.
The conference featured a series of panel discussions tackling urgent questions about Nollywood’s future in a digital-first world. The first panel, aligned with the conference’s core theme, was moderated by Steve Ayorinde, with participants such as Dr. Busola Tejumola, Stephanie Linus, and Femi Odugbemi, exploring how the industry can transition from sheer output to meaningful, value-laden content.
Additional sessions covered regulatory frameworks, investment strategies, and the challenges of piracy and unlicensed digital streaming, subjects that have grown more pressing as Nigerian content proliferates online and across platforms.
Though the Minister for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, was unable to attend, she was represented by Dr. Ali Nuhu, actor and Director-General of the Nigerian Film Corporation. The gathering also featured prominent industry figures, including Olori Temitope Enita Ogunwusi, Chief Emeka Ossia, Mahmood Alli-Balogun, Saidi Balogun, Femi Durojaiye, Uzodima Okpechi, Yinka Ogun, Patrick Lee, Bunmi Ajakaiye, Zulumoke Oyibo, and many more.
Named in memory of Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, former CEO of the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), the PAO NDCRC has become a vital platform for framing national policy on digital content regulation. Former editions have drawn influential voices in film and media, including Mo Abudu, who was the keynote speaker at the 4th edition in 2024.
This year’s conference comes at a critical time as the NFVCB intensifies its efforts to regulate digital streaming, combat piracy, and ensure that the rapidly growing volume of Nigerian content also carries enduring cultural and economic value. Indeed, in recent months, the NFVCB has engaged with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to clamp down on unlicensed streaming platforms and encrypted piracy, a sign of the regulatory pressures facing Nigeria’s digital content space.
