The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, has inaugurated a seven-member joint committee of the NOA and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to develop a national framework for increasing Nigerian-made cartoon content on broadcast platforms nationwide.
In a statement released on its official handle, the move follows the 2024 approval by the Federal Executive Council mandating that 70 per cent of all cartoons aired in the country must be locally produced, a policy aimed at strengthening cultural identity and promoting national values among young audiences.
Speaking at the ceremony on Tuesday, Issa-Onilu described the initiative as a strategic intervention to reshape the media environment for children.
He noted that for decades, Nigerian screens have been dominated by foreign cartoons that do not reflect the nation’s realities or aspirations.
The NOA DG argued that such an imbalance has long-term implications for cultural orientation.
In reference to the urgency for Nigerian children to see themselves represented positively in media content, Issa-Onilu said, “Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter”.
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He linked the policy to the broader Nigerian Identity Project, explaining that homegrown cartoons are vital to instilling values such as honesty, discipline, hard work, respect, unity, and cultural pride.
According to him, increasing local content will help young Nigerians build confidence, appreciate their heritage, and develop the resilience required to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The NOA DG urged committee members to approach their assignment with “discipline, transparency, commitment, and dedication,” expressing confidence that the collaboration between both agencies will produce a framework capable of reshaping the country’s content ecosystem into one that educates, uplifts, and unites.
Stella Erhunmwunsee, who represented the NBC, Director of Broadcast Policy and Research, assured stakeholders that the Commission would update the Nigeria Broadcasting Code to enforce compliance with the new requirements.
She said the NBC will also work closely with broadcasters, run public awareness campaigns, and offer technical guidance, while tasking zonal directors with intensified monitoring roles.
Members of the committee include Nuhu Kobi, Mallam Bala Musa, Williams Dogo, Blessing Oyem, Sherifat Adegbesan, Erhunmwunsee, Susan Obi, and Pauline Ehusani.
