Nigerian Film Corporation calls for resolution of AGN, FREGAN dispute

The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has called for a resolution of the dispute between the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and the Federation of Registered Nollywood Guilds and Associations (FREGAN).

This was made known in a recent statement by NFC spokesman, Brian Etuk who stated the attention of the association was drawn to media publications about the brawl between the two organisations.

In his appeal to settle their differences, Mr Etuk pointed out that there is a need for the various film industry guilds and associations to come together and work for the common interest of the sector.

The statement read: “The attention of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has been drawn to media publications of the purported crack in Nigeria’s film industry with the pulling out from the Federation of the Nollywood Guilds and Association (FREGAN) by the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). The NFC appeals for calm and maintains that there is the need for the various film industry guilds and associations to come together and work for the common interest of the sector.

“It is only a unified and cohesive body that can be effective enough to positively benefit from government policies that are favourable to the growth of Nigeria’s film industry. Indeed, the present Federal Government Administration has shown its determination to reposition the creative sector (film inclusive) as a fulcrum for national development by creating the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy.

Furthermore, it has established a national committee to streamline tax issues in Nigeria, which the film industry will be a beneficiary as well. Hence, the ongoing crack in the industry or any other form of distraction will not augur well for Nollywood. Consequently, on the issue at stake, all parties to the dispute are kindly requested to allow for its resolution under the auspices of NFC brokered meeting at the Department of Entertainment & Creative Services of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy.”

On Monday, October 16, AGN announced it has pulled out of FRENGAN, citing its focus on the growth, development and welfare of members as reasons.

According to the national president Emeka Rollas, the guild’s decision to exit from the federation was reached following the push of its members for it to focus on the growth, development and welfare of members.

“After a careful consideration of suggestions and opinions expressed by our members and stakeholders on AGN’s membership of FREGAN, the National Executive Council has regrettably resolved to withdraw AGN’s membership from the body.

“This is to enable the Executive Council to focus on the growth, development and welfare of members as we presently operate as service contractors, meaning that we fall short of labour protection with no access to social security.

“However, since filmmaking is a collaborative effort, we shall continue to support and promote sound and articulate industrial relationships among all the guilds and associations.

“We shall continue to uphold fair contractual practices and a regulatory environment to improve the livelihoods of our members whilst making the future of our industry more sustainable,” he said in a statement.