Nigerian Film Industry and the Promotion of Nigeria's Cultural Diplomacy and National Security

Abstract

For more than two decades, national security has become a source of concern for all stakeholders in Africa, especially with the uprising of insurgency in different parts of Africa, including Nigeria. Against this backdrop, this paper examines how the mass media can help in repositioning the Nigerian film Industry for the promotion of Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and national security. The paper argues that, the Nigerian film industry is not only a veritable tool for the promotion of Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy, but also, a social catalyst that can reposition the industry for the same purpose due to its functional disposition in the society. It posits that the film industry as a reflection of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, and can perform its role better through adequate coverage and agenda setting of the mass media. The film industry could also be used to reposition the industry for the promotion of Nigeria’s collective national security which is vital for national development.