The Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has banned the production and distribution of movies that feature money rituals and glamorize vices. Shaibu Husseini, CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), announced this directive at an event in Enugu State on Wednesday.
The event, organized by the NFVCB and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), gathered movie producers, directors, actors, and leaders of various guilds and associations from the Nigerian film industry.
“Today, we are facing an industry emergency requiring bold and ambitious actions from all parents, guardians, and stakeholders,” Husseini stated. He highlighted the past efforts of his predecessor and former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to address the portrayal of smoking in movies and noted the inclusion of money rituals in the new regulations.
“The Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, pursuant to section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004, has approved the regulation,” Husseini added. He emphasized that the new rules also prohibit ritual killings and the glamorization of other crimes, aimed at further sanitizing the film industry.
The new regulations, officially titled the “Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Nicotine Product Promotion and Glamorisation Display in Movies, Musical Videos, and Skits Regulations 2024,” have been forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Justice for gazetting.
Husseini explained that the sensitization program was designed to educate stakeholders about the dangers of depicting smoking in movies, beyond just health implications. He pointed out the negative influence such portrayals have on teens and young adults, who make up the largest segment of Nigerian movie viewers.
“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,” Husseini said. He called for collaboration within the industry to develop creative content that discourages smoking and promotes positive health messages.
The NFVCB, in collaboration with CAPPA, plans to undertake detailed enlightenment programs in secondary schools, tertiary institutions, local communities, faith groups, and other institutions to reinforce these regulations and promote a healthier representation in Nigerian cinema.