Government Bäns R!tuals, Sm0king, Cr!me Scenes In Movies, Music Video And Skit Making (DETAILS)

Federal Government has announced the prohibition of money rituals and the glamorising of vices in Nigerian films production and skits.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Executive Director and CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board, Shaibu Husseini disclosed this at a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood held in Enugu on Wednesday.

The event was organised by the NFVCB and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa.

Movie producers, directors and actors drawn from different parts of the country, as well as leaders of various guilds and associations in the Nigerian film industry were present at the event.

Husseini emphasized the need for urgent action from parents, guardians, and stakeholders.

“When my predecessor discussed with the former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the need for legislation to reduce smoking in Nigerian movies, it became clear that money rituals should also be addressed,”

Husseini stated. “This regulation now includes ritual killings and the glamorization of other crimes to further sanitize the film industry.”

The Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has approved a new regulation under section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004.

The regulation, titled; “Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Nicotine Product Promotion and Glamorisation Display in Movies, Musical Videos and Skits” Regulations 2024, has been sent to the Federal Ministry of Justice for publication.

The sensitization program is designed to inform stakeholders about the risks of showing smoking in Nigerian films.

In addition to health concerns, glamorizing smoking can have a negative impact on teenagers and young adults, who are the main audience for Nigerian movies.

The NFVCB intends to carry out extensive awareness campaigns in secondary schools, universities, local communities, religious groups, and other organizations.

“The film industry plays a vital role in the entertainment and creative sector, and it is crucial that we prioritize its progress,” Husseini said. 

The NFVCB supports smoke-free movies and seeks collaboration to create content that discourages smoking and promotes positive health messages.”

Following extensive engagements, the NFVCB, in collaboration with CAPPA, developed ‘subsidiary regulations’ to address smoking in movies, an aspect not explicitly covered by existing laws.

The NFVCB is committed to leading this initiative and has already begun implementing innovative strategies to fulfill its mandate.

According to reports, the Board is responsible for registering all film and video outlets across the country and maintaining a register of these outlets, among other functions.