Nigeria bans depictions of money rituals, smoking in movies

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) of Nigeria has announced a new mandate from the Federal government, banning the depiction of money rituals and the glamorization of criminal activities in Nigerian movies.

As reported by vanguardngr.com, this development was revealed by Dr. Shaibu Husseini, the Executive Director/CEO of NFVCB, during a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood that took place in Enugu State on May 22.

Dr. Husseini emphasized the urgency of addressing what he described as an "industry emergency," calling for decisive and courageous measures from parents, guardians, and all stakeholders involved.

The prohibition extends to the portrayal of ritual killings and the glamorization of other criminal acts, as part of efforts to cleanse the film industry.

The Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, sanctioned these regulations under Section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004, which includes the "Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Nicotine Product Promotion, and Glamorization in Movies, Musical Videos, and Skits" Regulations 2024.

However, the decision has been criticised by prominent figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo and celebrated musician Mike Okri have both expressed their disapproval. The government's move, which was formalized on Wednesday, has been labelled by Okri as an attempt to muzzle the film industry, urging the authorities to address more pressing national issues.

Kanayo O. Kanayo also shared his disapproval, sarcastically referring to the regulation as 'sensible nonsense' and questioning the authority of Hannatu Musawa in enforcing such restrictions on filmmakers.

ID/ ADG