The Nigerian Government’s recent decision to prohibit money rituals and smoking in Nollywood movies, skits, and music videos is sparking significant online discussion.
This announcement was made by Shaibu Husseini, the CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), at a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood held in Enugu State on Wednesday (May 22, 2024).
The event, organized by the NFVCB in collaboration with Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), was attended by numerous movie producers, directors, actors, and leaders from various guilds and associations in the Nigerian film industry.
According to Shaibu Husseini, the country was facing a film “industry emergency requiring bold and ambitious actions” from parents, guardians, and stakeholders.
He explained that the new sensitization program aims to inform stakeholders about the dangers of smoking depicted in Nigerian films. Beyond the health risks, glamorizing smoking in movies negatively impacts teens and young adults, who are the primary audience for Nigerian films.
Husseini also mentioned that the NFVCB plans to launch extensive educational programs in secondary schools, tertiary institutions, local communities, faith groups, and other institutions to further raise awareness.
He said; “When my predecessor approached the former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed on the need to make a subsidiary legislation to curtail the display of smoking in Nigerian movies, he saw the need to include money rituals.
“Others included in the regulation are ritual killings and glamourising other crimes in order to further sanitise the film industry.
“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” Regulations 2024.”
“We have also forwarded the approved copy to the Federal Ministry of Justice for Gazette.”
He continues, saying; “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.
“The NFVCB supports smoke-free movies and supports smoke-free Nollywood, and we therefore seek your collaboration to develop creative content that discourages smoking and promotes positive health messages.
“After series of engagements, the NFVCB in collaboration with the CAPPA decided to do a ‘subsidiary regulations’ to cater for smoking in movies since this aspect was not expressly spelt out in the extant Law.
“The NFVCB is well prepared to take leadership in this regard and has planned and began implementing innovative ways to achieve its mandate.”
