The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has announced new restrictions on the depiction of smoking, ritual killings, and money rituals in movies, music videos, and skits. This decision was revealed by the NFVCB’s Executive Director, Shaibu Husseini, during a National Stakeholder Engagement on the “#Smoke-Free Nollywood” campaign in Enugu. The campaign was organized with Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).
Husseini stated that the federal government will now prohibit the portrayal and glamorization of smoking, violence, criminal acts, immoral acts, ritual killings, and money rituals in Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry. He emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues, highlighting the need for bold and ambitious actions from parents, guardians, and stakeholders to protect society.
Following extensive discussions, the NFVCB, in collaboration with CAPPA, decided to introduce Subsidiary Regulations to address smoking in movies, which was not explicitly covered in the current law. Husseini announced that the Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, had approved the “Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Product, Nicotine Product Promotion, Glamorization, Display in Movies, Musical Videos, and Skits” Regulations 2024. This regulation has been forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Justice for gazetting.
Husseini underscored the goal of eliminating smoking in movies and skits, aiming for a completely smoke-free Nollywood. He noted the tobacco industry's attempts to promote smoking through entertainment but expressed confidence in the government’s preparedness to counter these efforts. He mentioned the increasing concern over cultism, drug trafficking, and illicit drug consumption among Nigerian youths, stressing the importance of detailed enlightenment programs and restrictions on home movies promoting social vices.
The event was attended by notable filmmakers, producers, scriptwriters, marketers, and distributors from across the country, including Zeb Ejiro, Fred Amata, Segun Arinze, Bolaji Amusan, and The Aneke Twins. These industry leaders committed to promoting a pro-health Nollywood by signing a pledge to ensure smoke-free content.
CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, emphasized the importance of stakeholders working towards a Smoke-Free Nollywood for the sake of Nigerian children’s health. He highlighted the prevalence of smoking in Nigerian movies, which contravenes the NTC Act and the Tobacco Control Regulations 2019. Oluwafemi called for a shift in the portrayal of smoking and tobacco use, advocating for movies and music videos to promote healthy lifestyles instead.
Michael Olaniyan, In-Country Coordinator of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), presented on the “Code of Practice for Smoking in Entertainment and Plenary for Next Steps,” urging stakeholders to comply with the NTC Act. The Act mandates the prohibition of unnecessary smoking scenes, tobacco use, and tobacco brand promotion in movies.
Ali Nuhu, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), supported the initiative to protect youths from smoking-related health issues. Represented by the NFC’s Director of Public Affairs, Brian Etuk, Nuhu stressed the role of film in addressing life-threatening habits.
Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ugochi Madueke, acknowledged Nollywood’s significant influence on public behavior and urged industry professionals to support public health by making movies smoke-free. Olawale Makanjuola, Alliance Coordinator for the Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance, commended the NFVCB and the creative industry for their efforts to ensure smoke-free screens, thereby enhancing public health infrastructure.
