The CEO of Nigeria’s National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Shaibu Husseini, has announced that the federal government has given approval to ban money rituals and the glamorization of vices in Nollywood films.
This decision was disclosed by Mr Husseini at an event held in Enugu, organized by the NFVCB and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA). The event saw the participation of movie producers, directors, actors, and leaders of various guilds and associations in the Nigerian film industry.
Mr Husseini emphasized the importance of taking bold actions to address the current challenges facing the industry. He highlighted the need to regulate the display of smoking in Nigerian movies, as well as prohibit money rituals, ritual killings, and glamorizing other crimes in order to promote a more sanitized film industry.
The Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has approved the regulation under section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004. The approved regulation aims to prohibit money rituals, ritual killings, tobacco promotion, and glamorization in movies, musical videos, and skits.
In addition to the health implications, Mr Husseini pointed out that glamorizing smoking in films can have a negative influence on teens and young adults, who are the largest segment of Nigerian movie viewers. As part of efforts to combat this, the NFVCB plans to carry out educational programs in secondary schools, tertiary institutions, local communities, faith groups, and other institutions.
The film board is committed to ensuring smoke-free movies and promoting positive health messages in Nollywood. Collaboration with stakeholders is encouraged to develop creative content that discourages smoking and supports a healthier lifestyle.
Through engagements with CAPPA, subsidiary regulations are being developed to address smoking in movies, as it was not explicitly addressed in existing laws. The NFVCB is taking a leadership role in implementing innovative approaches to fulfill its mandate and promote a healthier film industry.
