Shaibu Husseini, Director General of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), clarified that there is no outright ban on depicting smoking and money rituals in Nigerian films. This clarification comes after reports suggesting a prohibition on these scenes.
In an interview with Newsmen, Husseini explained, “There was no time when we even used the word ban. Nobody banned smoking, ritual scenes in movies. We only said that every promotion of it or the graphical depiction of those things will be restricted by giving them a classification that will make sure that young people do not watch it.”
Husseini added, “The new board regulation 2024 is to prohibit the glamorisation and the promotion of tobacco, ritual killing, and money ritual in movies, skits, and musical videos in Nigeria.” He emphasized that the regulation aims for “a healthy screen,” ensuring that content is suitable for all audiences without promoting harmful behaviours.
