FG cracks down on smoking, money rituals in Nollywood
In a landmark move, the Federal Government of Nigeria has imposed a ban on the depiction of money rituals and the glamorization of smoking in Nollywood films. This directive was announced by Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), during a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood in Enugu. Organized by the NFVCB and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), the event gathered film industry stakeholders, including producers, directors, actors, and guild leaders from across the country.
Addressing an Industry Emergency
Dr. Husseini emphasized the urgency of this initiative, describing it as a response to an “industry emergency” that necessitates bold and decisive actions from all involved parties, including parents, guardians, and industry stakeholders. He highlighted the detrimental effects of portraying harmful behaviors in films, particularly on the younger audience, who are highly impressionable and constitute the largest segment of Nigerian movie viewers.
Regulatory Approval and Scope
The approval of the new regulations came from the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, under the authority of section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004. These regulations, formally titled “Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Nicotine Product Promotion and Glamorisation Display in Movies, Musical Videos and Skits Regulations 2024,” have been forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Justice for official gazetting.
Dr. Husseini outlined the comprehensive nature of these regulations, which not only target smoking and money rituals but also extend to the portrayal of other crimes and vices. The goal is to sanitize the film industry and mitigate the negative influence such depictions can have on society.
The Role of Sensitization
A significant component of the NFVCB’s strategy involves extensive sensitization campaigns aimed at educating stakeholders and the public about the dangers of smoking and the portrayal of harmful behaviors in films. These campaigns will target secondary schools, tertiary institutions, local communities, and faith groups, emphasizing the health risks associated with smoking and the psychological impact of glamorizing crime.
Collaborative Efforts for a Smoke-Free Nollywood
Dr. Husseini called for the collaboration of filmmakers, guilds, and associations to support the creation of content that discourages smoking and promotes positive health messages. The NFVCB, in partnership with CAPPA, has undertaken a series of engagements to develop these subsidiary regulations, which address gaps in the existing law regarding the depiction of smoking in movies.
The Importance of Responsible Filmmaking
The NFVCB’s initiative underscores the critical role of the film industry in shaping societal values and behaviors. By regulating the content of films, the Board aims to foster a healthier, more responsible entertainment environment. This move is seen as a necessary step to protect young audiences from adopting harmful habits and to discourage the normalization of criminal activities.
Industry Reactions
The new regulations have elicited a range of reactions from industry stakeholders. Many filmmakers and actors acknowledge the importance of these measures in creating a more responsible and ethical film industry. Some, however, express concerns about creative freedom and the potential impact on storytelling.
ABCON President, Dr. Aminu Gwadabe, commended the initiative, urging the CBN to sustain policies that benefit the local currency. He praised the multifaceted approach involving fiscal and monetary policies and the cooperation of security agencies in addressing these challenges.
Future Outlook
As the NFVCB moves forward with the implementation of these regulations, the focus will be on ensuring compliance and fostering a culture of responsible filmmaking. The Board is committed to supporting filmmakers in creating content that is both entertaining and socially responsible.
