The National Film and Video Censor Board (NFVCB) has issued a warning to filmmakers to desist from promoting and producing films that promote same-sex relationships and pornography that contravenes the Prohibition of Same-Sex Marriage Act and the NFVCB Act.
The Same-Sex Prohibition Bill of 2013 was signed by former President Goodluck Jonathan despite opposition from the international community, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom.
Mr. Jonathan signed the bill on January 17, 2014.
Current law prescribes 14 years in prison for same-sex marriage and ten years in prison for complicity in the act.
The Board says the warning comes in the wake of reported cases of covert activities by some filmmakers and content creators, who have been violating the law with impunity.
The censor board said these filmmakers and content creators produce, promote, distribute and broadcast prohibited and unapproved content, especially same-sex content, on social media and other online platforms.
The NFVCB, in a statement on Thursday, said: “It regrets that despite its recent sustained commitments to filmmakers and the leadership of film industry guilds and associations for a safer and healthier screen, filmmakers are still producing obscene content and illegal”.
Article page with warning about promotion of financial support
The Board also said it is working with relevant security agencies to track down the filmmakers and production companies involved. He will also stop at nothing to ensure that those already identified face the full wrath of the law.
The National Film and Video Censor Board (NFVCB) has also warned that posting music videos, sketches and films without their classification is an offence.
The NFVCB’s rating system, which assigns age ratings and content advisories to audiovisual content, is a crucial tool for families to make informed viewing decisions and protect children from unsuitable material. Filmmakers and content creators must adhere to this system.
NFVCB Director General Shaibu Husseini earlier announced the expansion of the board’s rating requirements to include music videos and sketches.
READ ALSO: Man arrested for alleged sexual abuse and gay sex with ‘several children’
“It is also an offense to distribute or exhibit any film or video content, music videos and skits on any platform without resorting to the National Film and Video Censorship Board for classification.
The Board reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law, stating: “We are collaborating with relevant security agencies to trace the individuals and production companies involved and ensure that they face the full consequences of the law.”