Shaibu Husseini, the Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), has announced that the Federal Government has given approval to ban money rituals and the glamorization of vices in Nigerian films.
Husseini made this statement during a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood, which took place in Enugu on Wednesday, May 22. He emphasized the urgent need for decisive action from parents, guardians, and all stakeholders due to challenges faced by the industry.
He recounted how his predecessor had raised concerns to the former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, leading to the decision to extend regulations beyond smoking to include displays of money rituals, ritual killings, and glamorization of crimes in Nigerian movies.
Husseini expressed delight in announcing that the Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has approved the Prohibition of Money Rituals, Ritual Killings, Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Nicotine Product Promotion, and Glamorization Display in Movies, Musical Videos, and Skits Regulations 2024, as allowed by the NFVCB Act 2004.
He mentioned that the approved document has been forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Justice for publication in the Gazette. Beyond health concerns, Husseini pointed out the negative impact of glamorizing smoking on young viewers, who make up a significant portion of the Nigerian movie audience.
The NFVCB plans to conduct awareness programs in schools, communities, faith groups, and other institutions to educate the public on the dangers of smoking in films. Husseini emphasized the vital role of the film industry and the need to focus on its advancement, advocating for creative content that discourages smoking and promotes healthy messages.
After consultations, the NFVCB, in collaboration with the CAPPA, decided to create subsidiary regulations to address smoking in movies, an aspect not explicitly covered by existing laws. Husseini assured readiness to lead in this effort and implement innovative strategies to fulfill the board’s mandate.