FG Bans Money Rituals, Smoking and Crime Scenes in Nollywood Movies

The Federal Government has reportedly enacted a ban on the depiction of money rituals and public display of vices such as smoking in Nollywood movies. The announcement was made by Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), during a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood in Enugu. 

Husseini explained that the decision aims to curb the public display of criminal activities and sanitize the industry. He emphasized the importance of bold actions from parents, guardians, and stakeholders to address the current challenges facing the industry.

“When my predecessor approached the former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, about the need to legislate against the display of smoking in Nigerian movies, he saw the necessity to include money rituals as well. The regulation also covers ritual killings and the glamorization of other crimes to further cleanse the film industry,” Husseini stated.

He added, “I am delighted to announce 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.”

Husseini highlighted the negative impact of promoting smoking in films on teens and young people, who form the majority of Nigerian moviegoers. The NFVCB plans to implement extensive enlightenment campaigns in secondary schools, tertiary institutions, local communities, faith organizations, and other institutions.

“The film industry occupies a central position in the entertainment and creative sector, and it is imperative that we place the highest premium on its progress. The NFVCB supports smoke-free movies and smoke-free Nollywood and seeks collaboration to develop creative content that discourages smoking and promotes positive health messages,” Husseini said.

The NFVCB, in collaboration with the CAPPA, has decided on subsidiary regulations to address smoking in movies since it was not expressly detailed in the existing law.

The board is prepared to take leadership in this regard and has begun implementing innovative strategies to achieve its mandate.