The Federal Government of Nigeria, FGN, has banned Nollywood home movies depicting money rituals, smoking and other vices.
This was contained in a statement by the Executive Director/CEO of National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini. He said the Federal Government has approved the prohibition of money rituals and glamourization of vices in Nigerian films.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that Husseini disclosed this at a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood, held in Enugu on Wednesday.
The event was organized by the NFVCB and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).
The event was attended by movie producers, directors and actors drawn from different parts of the country. Also in attendance were leaders of the various Guilds and Associations in the Nigerian film industry.
Speaking at the event, Husseini said “Today, we are facing an industry emergency requiring bold and ambitious actions from all parents, guardians and stakeholders.
“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 glamourizing other crimes in order to further sanitize 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 Glamorization 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 said.
Husseini said the sensitization programme was to educate stakeholders on the dangers inherent in consummation of smoking in Nigerian movies.
According to him, ‘besides the health implications, glamourizing smoking in films poses a negative influence on teens and young adults. And these people constitute the largest segment of Nigeria movie viewers.
Husseini said that the Board was set to undertake detailed enlightenment programmes in secondary schools and tertiary institutions. Also the senitization will be extended to local communities, faith groups and other institutions.
“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’. This is 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,” he said
News Agency of Nigeria reports that it is the duty of the Board to register all films and videos outlets across the country. And to keep a register of such registered outlets among other functions.
Source: Vanguard
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