The Federal Government’s plan to enforce the prohibition of money rituals, ritual killings, smoking, and the glamorization of such vices in Nigerian films has resulted to mixed reactions.
Recently, during a national stakeholders’ engagement on smoke-free Nollywood in Enugu, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, the Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), announced the government’s stance. The event, organized by NFVCB and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), brought together movie producers, directors, and actors from various parts of the country, including leaders of various film industry guilds and associations.
Husseini described the glamorization of smoking, ritual activities, and killing in Nigerian movies as an industry emergency requiring bold actions from parents, guardians, and stakeholders. He explained that the NFVCB had approached the former Minister of Information to enact legislation curtailing the display of smoking and money rituals in movies, subsequently leading to the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy’s approval of regulations prohibiting these practices.
“The minister has approved the ‘Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Nicotine Products Promotion, and Glamorization Display of Crimes in Movies, Musical Videos, and Skits Regulations 2024.’ We have also forwarded the approved copy to the Federal Ministry of Justice for official gazette,” Husseini stated.
He emphasized that the sensitization program aimed to educate stakeholders on the dangers of smoking in Nigerian movies, noting its negative influence on teenagers and young adults. The NFVCB plans to undertake detailed enlightenment programs in schools, local communities, and faith-based groups.
“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,” Husseini added. “The NFVCB supports smoke-free movies and smoke-free Nollywood; therefore, we seek your collaboration to develop creative content that discourages smoking and promotes positive health messages.”
Stakeholders in the industry have expressed divided opinions on the policy. Veteran Nollywood actor Bob Manuel Udokwu supported the move, clarifying that there was no outright ban but a regulatory effort to discourage harmful practices in films. He commended Dr. Husseini for his engagement and reassurance on the matter.
However, actress Jennifer Obodo criticized the government for focusing on banning smoking and rituals in Nollywood rather than addressing more pressing national issues like high fuel prices, food costs, and insecurity. She questioned the government’s involvement in the entertainment industry without contributing positively to its growth.
Actress Ngozi Eze Evuka echoed similar sentiments, advocating for educational campaigns rather than bans, arguing that movies primarily entertain and educate, not corrupt viewers.
On the other hand, Nelson Bright supported the ban, believing it would combat human trafficking and illegal organ harvesting, although he acknowledged potential drawbacks to personal liberty and artistic expression.
Don Sylvester Nweke, CEO of Don Sylvester Records, opposed the ban, suggesting that films should be rated to guide viewers on content. He argued that movies depicting societal issues should show negative consequences to discourage negative behavior.
Maxi Okwu, former national chairman of APGA, expressed concerns over the infringement on fundamental rights and argued for the protection of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
Overall, the government’s move to regulate Nigerian films to discourage harmful practices has sparked a range of reactions from stakeholders in the industry and the public.
