Federal Government Bans ‘Money Rituals’ and Other Vices in Nollywood Films
Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), announced that the Federal Government has enacted a ban on the depiction of money rituals and the glamorization of various vices in Nigerian films.
During a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood held in Enugu, Dr. Husseini detailed the new regulations. The event, organized by the NFVCB in partnership with Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), brought together movie producers, directors, actors, and leaders from various guilds and associations across the Nigerian film industry.
Dr. Husseini emphasized the urgent need for robust and decisive actions from parents, guardians, and industry stakeholders to address this industry emergency.
He recounted that when his predecessor discussed with the former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, the necessity of creating legislation to limit the depiction of smoking in Nigerian films, they also recognized the importance of including money rituals in the regulations. These measures are part of broader efforts to sanitize the film industry by also targeting ritual killings and the glamorization of other crimes.
Dr. Husseini proudly announced that the current Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has approved these regulations under Section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004. The new rules, known as the “Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Nicotine Product Promotion, and Glamorisation Display in Movies, Musical Videos, and Skits Regulations 2024,” have been forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Justice for official gazetting.
The sensitization program aims to educate stakeholders about the dangers of portraying smoking in Nigerian films. Beyond the health risks, glamorizing smoking in movies negatively influences teenagers and young adults, who are the primary audience of Nigerian films.
Dr. Husseini also mentioned that the board plans to conduct extensive educational campaigns in secondary schools, higher education institutions, local communities, faith groups, and other relevant organizations to address these issues comprehensively.
Highlighting the crucial role of the film industry in the entertainment and creative sectors, Dr. Husseini stressed the importance of prioritizing its progress and integrity.
