The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has inaugurated a seven-member joint committee of the NOA and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to develop a framework for the nationalisation of cartoons aired in Nigeria.
This follows the 2024 Federal Executive Council approval of a policy mandating that at least 70 per cent of cartoon content broadcast in the country must be Nigerian an initiative designed to promote national values, strengthen cultural identity and reorient the youth.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Issa-Onilu described cartoons as powerful tools for shaping children’s worldview and identity, lamenting that for decades the Nigerian broadcast space has been dominated by foreign content that does not reflect local realities. He cited an African proverb: “Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter,” emphasising the need for Nigerian children to see themselves positively represented on screen.
He linked the Nationalisation of Cartoons Policy to the Nigerian Identity Project, which seeks to instill core values such as honesty, hard work, respect, discipline and unity. According to him, homegrown cartoons can foster resilience, collaboration and cultural pride, helping children internalise these values and build the confidence needed to contribute meaningfully to society.
Issa-Onilu urged members of the committee to carry out their assignment with discipline, transparency, commitment and dedication, expressing confidence that their work will help transform Nigeria’s media landscape into one that educates, uplifts and unites citizens while preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.
Speaking on behalf of the NBC, the Director of Broadcast Policy and Research, Mrs. Stella Erhunmwunsee, assured Nigerians that the Commission would revise the Nigeria Broadcasting Code to mandate indigenous cartoon content. She added that the NBC would collaborate with media organisations, conduct public awareness campaigns and provide technical training to ensure compliance with the new policy.
Erhunmwunsee highlighted the crucial role of zonal directors in monitoring media houses and noted that NOA’s participation in code reviews would ensure the policy is fully embedded in national broadcasting standards.
Committee members include:
Alh. Nuhu Kobi – NOA
Mallam Bala Musa – NOA
Barr. Williams Dogo – NOA
Mrs. Blessing Oyem – NOA
Mrs. Sherifat Adegbesan – NOA
Mrs. Stella Erhunmwunsee – NBC
Susan Obi – NBC
Pauline Ehusani – NBC
