Shaibu Husseini, the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), has denied reports that the Federal Government has banned money rituals and smoking in Nigerian films and skits.
Speaking at a national stakeholders’ engagement on smoke-free Nollywood in Enugu on Wednesday, Husseini clarified the misinformation that had been circulating. The event was organized by the NFVCB in collaboration with Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).
Husseini addressed an audience of movie producers, directors, actors, and leaders from various guilds and associations in the Nigerian film industry, debunking the viral report.
In a statement released on social media on Thursday, Husseini stated:
“I did NOT announce a ban on ‘smoking, or smoking, and ritual scenes in movies’ at the stakeholders’ engagement on a healthy screen and the campaign to have a smoke-free Nollywood held in Enugu. No, I did NOT.”
He explained that what he mentioned was the NFVCB’s existing regulation (NFVCB Regulations 2024), which aligns with global best practices. This regulation prohibits the promotion and glamourization of money rituals, ritual killings, tobacco, and nicotine products in movies, music videos, and skits. Husseini stated:
“The regulation aims at discouraging the ‘unnecessary’ depiction, promotion, advertisement, or glamourisation of tobacco or nicotine products in movies, musical videos, and skits.”
Husseini assured that the NFVCB would not implement any policy that stifles creativity. He clarified:
“Any movie, skit, or musical video that displays or depicts tobacco or nicotine products, brands, or use that is necessary to the realization of a narrative shall be given the appropriate classification (rating) and shall not be shown to persons below the age of 18.”
Addressing the confusion, Husseini noted that misleading headlines had suggested a blanket ban by the Federal Government. He pointed out that these headlines did not accurately reflect his statements or the content of the regulations.
