The NFVCB has taken a stand against the portrayal of smoking and other vices in Nigerian films, citing their negative impact on youths.
Dr. Shaibu Husseini, the Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), announced that the Federal Government has endorsed regulations to prohibit money rituals and the glamorization of vices in Nigerian cinema.
Speaking at a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood event in Enugu, Husseini highlighted the urgency of addressing the industry’s challenges and emphasized the need for collective action from stakeholders.
The regulations, approved by the Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, aim to curb the depiction of smoking, money rituals, ritual killings, and other crimes in Nigerian films. The NFVCB has submitted the approved regulations to the Federal Ministry of Justice for Gazette.
Husseini stressed the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of depicting smoking in movies, especially considering its influence on young viewers. The NFVCB plans to launch educational programs targeting schools, communities, and faith groups to promote positive health messages.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of the film industry in Nigeria’s entertainment sector, the NFVCB seeks collaboration to develop content that discourages smoking and promotes healthy lifestyles.
The NFVCB, in partnership with CAPPA, has initiated subsidiary regulations to address smoking in movies, complementing existing laws. Through innovative approaches, the NFVCB aims to fulfill its mandate of regulating and promoting responsible filmmaking in Nigeria.
