The NFVCB warns that glamorizing smoking in films negatively impacts teens and young adults. Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), announced that the Federal Government has banned the depiction of money rituals and the glamorization of vices in Nigerian films. This announcement was made at a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood in Enugu, organized by the NFVCB and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).
The event gathered movie producers, directors, actors, and leaders from various guilds and associations within the Nigerian film industry. Husseini emphasized the need for bold actions from parents, guardians, and stakeholders to address this industry-wide issue.
Husseini recounted that his predecessor had consulted with the former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, on the necessity of legislation to limit smoking displays in Nigerian movies, which also led to including restrictions on money rituals. The new regulation covers ritual killings and the glamorization of other crimes to further clean up the film industry.
Husseini announced that the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has approved the new regulation under section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004. The regulation bans the portrayal of money rituals, ritual killings, tobacco, nicotine product promotion, and the glamorization of these activities in movies, music videos, and skits. The approved regulation has been forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Justice for gazetting.
The sensitization program aims to educate stakeholders about the dangers of smoking in Nigerian movies. Husseini highlighted that glamorizing smoking not only has health implications but also negatively influences the youth, who are the primary audience for Nigerian films.
The board plans to conduct extensive awareness programs in secondary schools, tertiary institutions, local communities, faith groups, and other institutions. The NFVCB is committed to promoting smoke-free movies and encouraging the creation of content that discourages smoking and promotes positive health messages.
In collaboration with CAPPA, the NFVCB has created subsidiary regulations specifically addressing smoking in films, which was not clearly outlined in existing laws. The NFVCB is prepared to lead this initiative and has begun implementing innovative strategies to fulfill its mandate.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) notes that the NFVCB is responsible for registering all film and video outlets across the country and maintaining a register of these outlets, among other duties.