In a bid to further strengthen the existing relationship between the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB) and its counterpart at the federal level, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), the Lagos State government and the Federal government have set up a committee to review the MoU between the two agencies.
Comprising of key players in the creative industry, members of the committee are expected to identify areas where responsibilities are duplicated at the Federal and State levels.
While speaking during the inauguration of the committee, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, emphasised the commitments of both Lagos and Federal governments to creating a enabling environment for practitioners in the creative industry.
According to her, both governments seek to jointly develop the film sector through industry-friendly policies and laws that would foster mutual interest.
In corroboration, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Solomon Bonu, said that the collaboration of the two agencies shows the willingness of both governments to create synergy for the growth of the creative industry.
He added that the committee would review perceived issues of double taxation that had bedevilled the practitioners for a long time, assuring that the Lagos State Government remains sensitive to the plight of the practitioners.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of NFVCB, Hon. Adedayo Thomas, promised to give necessary support to the committee members to realise the set goals and objectives.
While lauding the leadership of the Ministry for initiating several lofty ideas to promote Tourism, Arts and Culture, adding that the setting up of the Committee attests to the disposition of the State to engendering a good and cordial working relationship.
Thomas told members of the Committee that they are expected to “critically examine the existing MoU and bring it on board while harmonising the document to accommodate the policies of the Federal and State Governments.”