LIFANIMA secures NFVCB endorsement, boosting Nigeria’s animation industry with 1,200 global submissions and strong creative economy impact

In a statement from the office of NFVCB Director-General, Dr Shaibu Husseini, the board commended the Lagos International Festival of Animation “for providing a platform which has contributed immensely to the growth of animation in the Nigerian film industry and being a catalyst for the rapid development of this area of the creative economy.”

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Now in its ninth year, LIFANIMA has grown into the second largest animation film festival on the continent, attracting more than 1,200 submissions annually from over 100 countries, including 128 entries from 25 African nations.

The festival enjoys strong institutional support, backed by the Embassy of France in Nigeria, the National Orientation Agency and the Bank of Industry.

It is also endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, and the NFVCB.

Over the years, LIFANIMA has become a platform for implementing Nigeria’s policy on the localisation of cartoon content, while nurturing homegrown talent and expanding the creative economy.

Its annual programme features screenings, panel sessions, workshops, a Kids Animation Park, cocktail events, and the Animation Awards, which recognise excellence across five categories: 3D Animation, 2D Animation, Stop Motion, Animation Commercials, and Visual Effects.

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Firmly established as Nigeria’s premier animation festival, LIFANIMA continues to position the country on the global map of animation, boosting both industry growth and cultural visibility.