The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a new regulation prohibiting money rituals and smoking scenes in Nigerian films, music videos, and skits, according to a new update by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) of Nigeria.
The Executive Director of the NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, made the announcement during a meeting with the National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood in Enugu State on May 22, 2024.
He emphasised the effects that such depictions in films may have on the next generation and urged stakeholders, parents and guardians to take decisive action in order to solve the industry’s present problems.
“As you all know, the film industry occupies a central position in the entertainment and creative sector and it is imperative that we continue to place the highest premium on the progress of the film industry,” he stated.
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He asked filmmakers to create content promoting health messages and discouraging smoking.
“The NFVCB supports smoke-free movies and Nollywood, and we therefore seek your collaboration to develop creative content that discourages smoking and promotes positive health messages,” he said.
He also stated that the Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, had approved the regulation to prohibit these practices under Section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004.
“Today, I am delighted to announce to you that the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, pursuant to section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004 has approved the regulation. The minister has approved the prohibition of money ritual, ritual killing, tobacco, tobacco products, nicotine product promotion and glamorisation display in movies, musical videos and skits,” he added.
The event was attended by film producers, directors, actors, and leaders from various guilds and associations in the Nigerian film industry.
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), which was established in Nigeria in 1993, is in charge of regulating the film and video industries in Nigeria. The Board is required by law to classify all films and videos, whether imported or produced locally.
