NFVCB clarifies ban on ritual scenes and smoking in Nollywood

Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), has clarified recent reports suggesting that the Federal Government has banned ritual and smoking scenes in Nollywood films and music videos.

It follows an announcement on Tuesday in Enugu during the NFVCB stakeholder engagement in the “#Smoke-Free Nollywood” campaign, organized with Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).

Initial reports indicated a ban on these scenes.

However, on Thursday Husseini denied these claims. He clarified: “There have been trending headlines suggesting banning of smoking and ritual scenes by the NFVCB. However, nowhere in my speech supports this claim.”

He explained that the NFVCB Regulations 2024 prohibits the promotion and glamorization of monetary rituals, ritual killings and smoking in films, music videos and skits.

He explained that the NFVCB Regulations 2024 prohibits the promotion and glamorization of monetary rituals, ritual killings and smoking in films, music videos and skits.

He wrote: “What I mentioned in a speech I have shared here is the existence of a regulation (NFVCB Regulations 2024) which, in accordance with global best practices, prohibits the promotion and glamorization of money ritual, ritual murder, tobacco, tobacco and tobacco. product, nicotine products in films, music videos and sketches.”

Article page with financial support promotion

Mr. Husseini emphasized that smoking scenes necessary for historical accuracy or educational purposes must include health warnings at the beginning and end of the content.

He wrote: “The regulation is intended to discourage the “unnecessary” depiction, promotion, advertising or glamorization of tobacco or nicotine products in films, music videos and sketches. The regulation requires the display of a health warning for smoking scenes that are required for historical accuracy or educational purposes and to depict a negative lifestyle in films, music videos and sketches. The mandatory health warning must be displayed at the beginning and at the end of the work.”

Clarification

He assured that the NFVCB aims to classify, not stifle creativity, ensuring appropriate classifications for content depicting tobacco or nicotine products without restricting artistic expression.

The official regulation will be published once published (officially announced), providing clear guidelines for filmmakers.

He explained: “Although we will issue an official position and have the regulations published in the official gazette, I want to assure you that, as a classification board, we will not implement any policies that muzzle creativity.

“Any film, sketch or music video that shows or represents tobacco or nicotine products, brands or uses that are necessary for the realization of a narrative will receive the appropriate classification (rating) and will not be shown to minors. out of 18. So there is no truth to the “headlines”.

Shaibu Husseini, journalist, performance artist, cultural administrator, public relations and media expert, film critic and film curator, is the sixth CEO and CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).