The Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has called for support from international organizations and relevant stakeholders for the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) to boost the country’s economic growth.
The announcement was made during a visit by the NFC’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dr. Ali Nuhu, and senior members of the corporation to the Ministry in Abuja.
In a statement by by the Ministry’s Director of Information, Julie Osage-Jacob’s, Bagudu noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was deliberate in establishing the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy, recognizing that some organizations or fields of endeavor significantly contribute to a nation’s economic growth.
“Our major asset rather than liability is the creative industry and remains the biggest employer of labour,” the minister stated.
Bagudu urged the Director General of the NFC to find meaningful opportunities for youths to leverage the industry.
He also advised the corporation to seek collaboration with KOICA of South Korea, Japan, and the French Embassy to advance the creative industry in the country.
The Minister described Dr. Ali Nuhu as a disruptor brought into government to utilize his creative abilities to convey positive messages of Renewed Hope and highlight resilient Nigerians who strive for meaningful lives.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Nuhu emphasized the need for an increase in the budgetary allocation for the corporation to fulfill its mandates.
He specifically noted that additional funding would enable the NFC to maintain its liaison offices, develop its permanent site, build the capacity of existing staff, and recruit new personnel.
In a welcome address, the Director of Economic Growth, Mrs. Elizabeth Egharevba, remarked, “Our entertainment industry is contributing to our economic growth and with your appointment by the President, we are positive you will achieve more.”
The NFC, a parastatal within the Federal Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy, is mandated to foster a thriving and enduring film industry and cinema culture in Nigeria.
Dr. Nuhu was appointed Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the NFC by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in January 2024.
