The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has clarified recent media reports regarding a supposed ban on smoking and money rituals in Nigerian films.
Following a stakeholder engagement on a smoke-free Nollywood in Enugu, several news outlets reported comments by Executive Director Shaibu Husseini suggesting a complete prohibition.
However, Husseini took to social media to clarify his remarks. “I did NOT announce a ban on ‘smoking, or smoking and ritual scenes in movies,'” he emphasized.
Instead, the NFVCB highlighted the existence of the “NFVCB Regulations 2024.” This new regulation, aligned with international best practices, aims to discourage the promotion and glamorization of money rituals, ritual killings, tobacco, tobacco products, and nicotine products in movies, music videos, and skits.
The focus, according to Husseini, lies in preventing the “unnecessary” depiction or glorification of these elements. The regulation allows for smoking scenes deemed necessary for historical accuracy, educational purposes, or portraying a negative lifestyle, but requires the display of health warnings at the beginning and end of such content.
Husseini reassured the creative community that the NFVCB remains committed to supporting artistic expression. “Any movie, skit, or musical video that displays tobacco or nicotine products essential to the narrative will be given the appropriate classification and restricted from audiences under 18,” he stated.
The glorification of money ritual in Nigerian movies is massive nowadays,
They should minimise for the sake of the young ones
Well it is story of the day nowadaya everyone wants to have money by all means and blow like wizkid and davido🤣🤣🤣😂😂