Ban of money rituals and smoking scenes in Nollywood films

Nigeria’s National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has announced the Federal Government’s approval of a new regulation prohibiting the depiction of money rituals and the glamorization of vices in Nigerian films.

This decision was disclosed by Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/CEO of NFVCB, during a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood held in Enugu State.

“Today, we are facing an industry emergency requiring bold and ambitious actions from all parents, guardians, and stakeholders,” he stated.

He emphasized that the measures are aimed at sanitizing the Nigerian film industry by reducing the promotion of harmful behaviours and practices.

The new regulation, officially titled the “Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Nicotine Product Promotion and Glamorization display in Movies, Musical Videos and Skits Regulations 2024,” was approved by the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.

This approval is in accordance with section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004.

The initiative to include these elements in the regulation was initiated by Dr. Husseini’s predecessor, who recognized the detrimental impact of such portrayals on society, especially the youth.

With these new regulations, the NFVCB aims to foster a film industry that not only entertains but also upholds social responsibility.