Why FG Banned Ritual, Smoking, Other Vices in Nollywood Films

The Federal Government has introduced a ban on the depiction of money rituals, smoking, and crime scenes in Nollywood films. Dr. Shaibu Husseini, the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), announced these changes at a recent national stakeholders’ engagement to promote a smoke-free Nollywood in Enugu.

The new regulations were unveiled amid concerns about the impact of certain content on the younger audience and society at large. Dr. Husseini emphasized the necessity of these measures, stating, “The film industry holds a pivotal role in our culture and entertainment sector, and it’s crucial that we uphold the highest standards to foster its development positively.”

This announcement marks a proactive step by the NFVCB, in collaboration with the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, to sanitize the themes and messages conveyed through Nigerian films. 

The approved regulations include a ban on the portrayal of tobacco products, nicotine, and glamorized criminal activities in movies, musical videos, and skits.

The event in Enugu was not just a formal announcement but a collaborative platform where Nollywood filmmakers, actors, and industry leaders gathered to deliberate on these new guidelines. The engagement served as a crucial junction for exchanging ideas on how to creatively adapt content while adhering to the new standards.

These regulations are part of a broader initiative by the NFVCB to ensure that Nollywood continues to contribute positively to societal values and public health. According to Husseini, “Our aim is not just to curb the influence of negative portrayals but also to enrich our storytelling with themes that reflect our aspirations as a society.”

The regulations will be forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Justice for official gazetting, marking the final step in formalizing these changes. Meanwhile, the NFVCB is set to launch extensive awareness campaigns across schools, communities, and media platforms to educate stakeholders about the importance of smoke-free and crime-free content.