Nigeria Bans Money Rituals and Glamorisation of Vices in Films

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially prohibited the depiction of money rituals and the glamorisation of vices in Nigerian films, a significant step announced by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB). Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/CEO of the NFVCB, revealed this at a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood held in Enugu State earlier today.

The event gathered movie producers, directors, actors, and leaders of various guilds and associations from across Nigeria. In his address, Husseini underscored the urgent need for decisive actions from parents, guardians, and industry stakeholders to address the pressing issues within the film industry.

“When my predecessor approached the former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, about the necessity of a subsidiary legislation to limit the portrayal of smoking in Nigerian movies, it became evident that the regulation should also encompass money rituals,” Husseini explained. “Other elements included in the new regulations are ritual killings and the glamourisation of other crimes to further sanitise the film industry.”

He announced that the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, pursuant to section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004, has approved the “Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Nicotine Product Promotion and Glamorisation display in Movies, Musical Videos and Skits” Regulations 2024.

“We have also forwarded the approved copy to the Federal Ministry of Justice for Gazette,” Husseini added, emphasizing the health implications and negative influence of smoking portrayals on teens and young adults, who make up the largest segment of Nigerian movie viewers.

The NFVCB plans to implement comprehensive enlightenment programs across secondary schools, tertiary institutions, local communities, faith groups, and other institutions to promote positive health messages and discourage harmful content.

“The film industry is a crucial part of the entertainment and creative sector, and it is vital that we prioritize its progress by supporting smoke-free movies and promoting smoke-free Nollywood. We seek collaboration from all stakeholders to create content that discourages smoking and other harmful practices,” Husseini said.

Following extensive engagements, the NFVCB, in collaboration with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CAPPA), decided to introduce ‘subsidiary regulations’ to address smoking in movies, as this was not explicitly covered in the existing law. The board is poised to lead this initiative and has already begun implementing innovative strategies to fulfill its mandate.

The NFVCB is responsible for registering all film and video outlets nationwide and maintaining a register of these outlets, among other functions.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from TOP KNOWLEDGE MEDIA.

Contact: toppknowledgemedia@gmail.com

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The TOP KNOWLEDGE MEDIA on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

Join Top Knowledge Media Channel:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaEUCpP4NVigCMWy8J22