FG Enforces New Regulations: Bans on Money Rituals, Ritual Killings, and Smoking Scenes in Movies, Music Videos, and Skits

The Tinubu-led Federal Government has enacted a significant new regulation prohibiting the portrayal of money rituals, ritual killings, and smoking in Nigerian movies, music videos, and skits. This was announced by the Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Shaibu Husseini, at the National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood held in Enugu on May 22.

Husseini highlighted the negative influence of glamorizing such vices on teens and young adults, who are the largest segment of Nigerian movie viewers. The move aims to curb the glorification of crimes and sanitize the industry.

The prohibition, approved by the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, under section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004, covers money rituals, ritual killings, and the promotion of tobacco and nicotine products in movies and skits.

Husseini emphasized the importance of the film industry’s role in promoting positive health messages and detailed plans for enlightenment programs in schools, local communities, and other institutions to support this initiative. The NFVCB is collaborating with CAPPA to develop subsidiary regulations to address smoking in movies, ensuring the film industry continues to progress while discouraging harmful behaviors.