Summary
Obtaining a Film and Video Censorship Certificate in Nigeria involves a clear, four-step process administered by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB). First, download and complete the official NFVCB Classification & Censorship Application Form. Second, prepare and pay the requisite fee via the Federal Government’s REMITA platform, with fees scaling by runtime, language, and origin of the film (ranging from ₦10,500 to ₦150,000, plus flat-rate ₦50,000 for online works). Third, submit your application; online or at any NFVCB zonal office, alongside a film synopsis, copy of the work, and payment evidence. Finally, NFVCB conducts classification, and upon approval issues a digital certificate (within 24 hours for online works or up to 7 days for standard submissions).
1. Procedure
1.1. Download & Complete the Application Form
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Visit the NFVCB website and download the Classification & Censorship Application Form under the “Downloads” or “E-Services” section.
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Fill in your details accurately, including producer name, contact information, and film title.
1.2. Prepare Supporting Documents
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Film Synopsis: A concise summary (1–2 paragraphs) of your film’s plot and themes.
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Copy of the Film/Video Work: Digital file (link or USB/DVD) of the full work.
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Passport Photograph: One recent photo of the producer or authorised representative (if required).
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Payment Evidence: REMITA payment receipt or bank teller.
1.3. Pay the Censorship Fee via REMITA
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Go to the Federal Government’s REMITA portal.
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Use the NFVCB Remita Code (available on the NFVCB “How to Make Payments” page).
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Select the category matching your film’s runtime, language, and origin (see Section 2 for detailed fees).
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Complete payment and download your receipt.
1.4. Submit Your Application
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Online Submission (for digital/online works only):
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Email the completed form, synopsis, film link/file, and payment receipt to nfvcbonline@gmail.com.
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Online works are processed within 24 hours of payment confirmation.
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In-Person Submission:
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Visit any NFVCB zonal or state office (six geopolitical zones) with all documents and media.
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Standard processing takes up to 7 business days.
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2. Cost & Fee Schedule
| Runtime | Local Lang. Films | English Lang. Films | Foreign Films | Online Works | Fast Track (+30%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–15 mins | ₦10,500 | ₦20,000 | ₦25,000 | ₦50,000 (flat) | +30% |
| 16–30 mins | ₦20,000 | ₦30,000 | ₦40,000 | ₦50,000 (flat) | +30% |
| 31–60 mins | ₦30,000 | ₦40,000 | ₦50,000 | ₦50,000 (flat) | +30% |
| 61–90 mins | ₦40,000 | ₦50,000 | ₦60,000 | ₦50,000 (flat) | +30% |
| 91–120 mins | ₦45,000 | ₦60,000 | ₦70,000 | ₦50,000 (flat) | +30% |
| 121–150 mins | ₦50,000 | ₦70,000 | ₦80,000 | N/A | +30% |
| 151–200 mins | ₦60,000 | ₦80,000 | ₦90,000 | N/A | +30% |
| 201–300 mins | ₦75,000 | ₦90,000 | ₦100,000 | N/A | +30% |
| >300 mins | ₦85,000 | ₦100,000 | ₦150,000 | N/A | +30% |
All payments are made via REMITA, using NFVCB’s assigned codes.
3. Requirements Checklist
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Completed NFVCB Classification Application Form
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Film Synopsis detailing plot/themes
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Copy of the Film/Video Work (digital or physical)
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REMITA Payment Receipt
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Passport Photograph (if specified)
4. Frequently Asked Questions
How long does classification take?
Online works: Certificate emailed within 24 hours of payment.
Standard submissions: Up to 7 business days; expedite by adding +30% fast-track fee.
Can I release my film online without certification?
No. All films; including online-only content, require NFVCB classification and certification before distribution.
What if my film exceeds 120 minutes?
Apply the higher-runtime fee bracket (see Section 2); fees max at ₦150,000 for foreign films over 300 minutes.
Where are NFVCB zonal offices located?
Offices exist across all six geopolitical zones: Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Kaduna.
Is fast-track classification available?
Yes. Fast-track adds 30% to the base fee, accelerating review times.
5. Common Misconceptions
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“Only cinemas need censorship certificates.”
Wrong. All works; cinematic, TV, home video, and online, must be classified by NFVCB. -
“Online releases are exempt.”
False. Online-only films pay a flat ₦50,000 and follow the same certification rules. -
“Certificate equals distribution license.”
Clarification: A Censorship Certificate approves content; a Distributor/Exhibitor License permits business operations under separate fees and forms.
6. Conclusion
By following NFVCB’s official steps; completing the application, paying the correct fee via REMITA, and submitting all required documents, producers and distributors can efficiently secure a Film and Video Censorship Certificate, ensuring legal compliance and proper audience guidance in Nigeria.
