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 cartoon content aired in Nigeria.
The inauguration follows last year’s approval by the Federal Executive Council of a policy mandating that 70 per cent of cartoons broadcast in the country must be locally produced. The initiative aims to preserve Nigerian culture, promote national values and strengthen youth reorientation.
Speaking at the event, Issa-Onilu described cartoons as powerful tools that shape children’s worldview and identity. He lamented that for decades, Nigerian television had been dominated by foreign cartoons that fail to reflect local realities, aspirations and values. Citing the African proverb, *“Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter,”* he stressed the urgency of ensuring Nigerian children are positively represented in the content they consume.
The DG linked the Nationalisation of Cartoons Policy to the Nigerian Identity Project, which seeks to instill honesty, hard work, respect, discipline and unity. He noted that homegrown cartoons naturally embed cultural pride, resilience and collaboration—values that help young people build confidence and contribute meaningfully to society.
Issa-Onilu urged the committee to carry out its assignment with transparency, discipline and commitment, expressing confidence that its work would help transform Nigeria’s media ecosystem into one that educates, uplifts and unites citizens while safeguarding cultural heritage.
Representing the NBC, the Director of Broadcast Policy and Research, Mrs. Stella Erhunmwunsee, assured the public that the Commission would revise the Nigeria Broadcasting Code to enforce the indigenous content requirement. She added that the NBC would collaborate with broadcasters, conduct awareness campaigns and provide technical training to ensure smooth compliance with the new policy. She also highlighted the role of NBC zonal directors in monitoring station adherence and said NOA’s inclusion in code reviews would further strengthen the policy’s implementation.
Members of the committee include Alh. Nuhu Kobi, Mallam Bala Musa, Barr. Williams Dogo, Mrs. Blessing Oyem, Mrs. Sherifat Adegbesan, Mrs. Stella Erhunmwunsee, Susan Obi, and Pauline Ehusani.
