The Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, on Thursday received the management of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), led by its Director-General, Dr. Ola Awakan, during a courtesy visit to the Board’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to a press statement signed by Ogbonna Onwumere, Director of Corporate Affairs at NFVCB, the meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the film and tourism sectors as part of efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on petroleum and unlock new economic opportunities.
Both leaders agreed that the creative industry—particularly film—alongside tourism, holds enormous potential as the next major driver of Nigeria’s economy. They resolved to encourage Nigerian filmmakers to deliberately showcase the country’s rich tourism destinations in their productions to attract both local and international visitors.
Dr. Husseini emphasized the strategic role of film in promoting Nigeria’s tourism assets:
“We will continue to encourage our filmmakers to tell our stories using our tourism locations. Tourism potentials in Nigeria are enormous, and film provides a powerful platform to open up the sector to the world.”
In his remarks, Dr. Awakan noted that economic diversification through tourism integrated with film remains one of the most viable alternatives for Nigeria:
“There is no better alternative to diversify the economy than through tourism embedded in film.”
The NTDA Director-General also commended Husseini’s leadership at the NFVCB, recalling their long-standing professional relationship. He noted that he was among the first journalists to invite Husseini to appear on Television Continental (TVC) following his appointment, adding that since Husseini assumed office, the narrative around the Board has changed positively.
Responding, Husseini expressed admiration for Awakan’s energy and commitment to the tourism sector since assuming office late last year. He revealed that he regularly visits the NTDA website to keep track of the agency’s activities and developments.
Awakan explained that his dedication stems from years of professional commitment to the sector:
“If I could do it when I didn’t have a platform, why should I complain now that I have one?”
Husseini further advocated for deliberate policies to strengthen inward tourism in Nigeria, while acknowledging that certain challenges still need to be addressed to fully unlock the country’s tourism potential.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both institutions to deepen collaboration between Nigeria’s film industry and tourism sector as strategic pillars for economic growth, job creation, and national development.
PHOTO: R-L: The Executive Director of the NFVCB,Dr Shaibu Husseini handing over a gift to Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Dr Ola Awakan.